Advance your laboratory career by applying to be a Laboratory Specialist for the Data IT Support Group!

Join one of the nation’s most advanced state laboratories and make an impact that truly matters! In this role, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health where you’ll gain experience by working in a collaborative laboratory environment, supporting critical testing that protects Virginia’s health, environment, and safety.

Title: Laboratory Specialist (Data/IT Support) – P0153

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Specialist I

Hiring Range: $44,000 - $51,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Virginia Department of General Services is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Laboratory Specialist for the Data IT Support Group for the Commonwealth’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), which is one of the largest and most diverse consolidated state laboratories in the nation. With an annual budget of over 30 million dollars and over 250 state employees, DCLS performs approximately 9 million tests annually. Results from these tests are used confidently by local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, food regulatory, environmental protection, and law enforcement officials serving to protect our citizens, food supply environment and commerce. DCLS is a member of several public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program.

The Data IT Support Group provides critical support to the Newborn Screening program, environmental testing, and other groups at DCLS. Virginia's Newborn Screening Program is a partnership between DCLS and the Virginia Department of Health to screen each baby born in Virginia for certain rare yet serious metabolic and genetic disorders.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Receives and accessions Newborn Screening (NBS) samples to support moderate and high‑complexity testing.
• Serves as a primary customer service contact, providing reliable support to staff and clients.
• Performs data entry, results reporting, and tracks the timeliness of team workloads as assigned.
• Provides administrative and technical support to scientists and other higher‑level personnel, including monitoring department inventory, and maintaining accurate records.
• Supports quality assurance efforts by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of laboratory demographic data and outgoing mailings.

This position will be located in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site. 

We’ve got great benefits!

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Requirements

• Experience providing excellent customer service by investigating issues and resolving problems for internal and external customers.
• Experience with accessioning laboratory samples accurately.
• Experience with recording accurate documentation and strong alphanumeric data entry skills.
• Experience with using basic office equipment to include Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, Outlook and Teams).
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Good technical skills, strong attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication, time management, sound decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, prioritize work and identify errors.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in an open office environment with various noise levels.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, train others, and serve as a team lead.
• Ability to serve on call weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling clinical records, client data, and/or testing results.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a clinical and/or environmental laboratory.
• Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Experience as a team lead, training staff in accordance with policy and procedures, and/or prioritizing the work of others.
• Experience with following standard operating procedures (SOP) and quality assurance policies.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910. 

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after Monday, June 29th, 2026. Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.   

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties. 

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply. 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.