Looking to make a real impact on public health?

The Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking two Scientists to join the Radiochemistry laboratory, supporting statewide testing that safeguards the health and safety of communities across the Commonwealth. In this role, you will serve as the primary analyst for drinking water methods and contribute to routine and emergency radiochemical testing.

Title: Scientist (Radiochemistry) – CL464 & CL056

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $62,000 - $78,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking qualified candidates to serve as Scientists in the Radiochemistry laboratory 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 the Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program.

The Radiochemistry Department at DCLS performs routine and emergency testing of moderate to high complexity and provides training to personnel in the execution of these procedures. Responsibilities include limited method adaptation with prior management approval, as well as conducting method verification and validation activities. The position interacts with internal and external customers to provide technical guidance and address analytical needs. Work involves performing a broad range of scientific procedures in support of Commonwealth agencies, including those responsible for public health, agriculture, and environmental protection.

As a Radiochemistry Scientist, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform highly complex testing, meet turnaround and holding times, manage workload priorities, maintain chain of custody, and ensure data integrity in LIMS.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of test results, performing QA/QC procedures, troubleshooting methods, documenting maintenance, and supporting staff training.
• Maintain professional relationships and provide responsive support to internal and external customers.
• Support DCLS mission through effective teamwork.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and compliant work environment.

This position is in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory safety practices and laboratory operations for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious or toxic materials.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of chemical principles and chemical laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good technical skills and strong attention to detail, including the ability to follow procedures, identify errors, and problem-solve.
• Ability to accession samples and report results accurately.
• Ability to independently perform moderate to high complexity testing and routine analysis.
• Ability to compile and formulate data, draw conclusions and provide data interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to occasionally handle, push, pull, and/or move 30 or more lbs.
• Ability to work occasional after-hours and/or weekends as needed for emergency coverage and workflow.

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. 

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.

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

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory.
• Experience performing Radiochemical testing.
• Experience with instruments to measure radioactivity.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience with complex computer interfaced instrumentation.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), spreadsheets, MS Office products, and laboratory software programs.
• Experience with The NELAC Institute Standards (TNI).

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
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 11/12/2026.

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.

From July 1, 2026, through January 21, 2029, applicants who were terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025 due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency may be eligible for HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration. Applicants seeking HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration must identify themselves within the state application process and provide supporting documentation, including a Standard Form 50 (SF-50), verifying their eligibility. 

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: 804-786-3910

Email: JOBS@dgs.virginia.gov

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates for this position will be considered for position numbers CL464 & CL056.