Lead the Science That Protects Virginia – Join Us as a Senior Scientist at DCLS!

Join  Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) and support The Division of Consolidated Laboratories (DCLS) as a Senior Scientist and lead critical testing that protects public health, agriculture, and the environment.

 If you’re passionate about science, leadership, and safeguarding communities, we want you on our team!

Title: Senior Scientist (Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response) - CR545 

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $69,000 - $83,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: AGENCY ONLY

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Senior Scientist in the Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response/Radiochemistry/Biomonitoring/Drugs of Abuse 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 Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response (CT) laboratory at DCLS was one of four state laboratories originally selected in 1998 to provide support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for laboratory analysis for human exposure to chemical warfare agents. Expanding on the capacity of these four laboratories, the CDC established the Laboratory Response Network – Chemical (LRN-C) to respond to accidental or intentional exposure of people to toxic chemicals. The LRN-C is a national laboratory network in which DCLS serves as a Level I member maintaining the highest level of testing capacity. This capacity includes maintaining the ability to test human clinical specimens for toxic chemicals and the ability to serve as a backup laboratory for the CDC in a large-scale chemical terrorism event.

As a Senior Scientist in Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform highly complex analyses throughout pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing.  
• Schedule and prioritize workflow for assigned group or work area to ensure turnaround times are met.
• Demonstrate clear understanding of LIMS system and captures testing data and results accurately on each sample.
• Work independently or closely with Principal, Lead Scientist and Group Manager to track the performance of method development projects.
• Support the DCLS Quality Management System in the performance of moderate to highly complex laboratory testing to ensure the accuracy and integrity of DCLS laboratory test results.

**This opportunity is ONLY open to CURRENT DGS EMPLOYEES. Applications that do not meet this requirement will not be considered. ** 

Minimum Requirements:

• Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for a general supervisor in a high complexity testing laboratory as defined in (42 CFR 493.1461).
• Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of chemical principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious or toxic materials including engineering and facility controls.
• Knowledge and skill in the application and operation of complex laboratory equipment and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) necessary for the analysis of specimens and reporting of test results.
• Experience independently performing complex routine and emergency analyses.
• Experience troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Experience coordinating, leading, organizing and prioritizing work of others.   
• Knowledge of QA/QC, mathematics, and basic statistics
• Skill in the use of computers and MS Office (to include Outlook, Word & Excel)
• Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to compile and formulate data, draw conclusions and provide interpretations of data.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds

This position requires participation in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule as part of the DCLS emergency response team.

This is a full-time, restricted position funded by a federal grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the continued availability of funds. Employees in classified restricted positions are eligible for the state employee benefits package (including leave, healthcare, retirement, etc.). Please refer to DHRM Policy 2.20, Types of Employment and DHRM Policy 1.30, Layoff for additional information.

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

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 chemistry laboratory.
• Experience performing ICP/MS, GC/MS, or LC/MS testing.
• Experience with chain of custody procedures.
• Experience in ISO 17025, CLIA and EPA compliance with federal, state and local laws requirements and regulations.

Special Instructions

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 Tuesday, February 10, 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.

Contact Information
Name: DGS Human Resources
Phone: 804-786-3910
Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov

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 April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.