Title: Microbiologist Intern #S0104

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec I

Hiring Range: $16.11 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: LYNCHBURG LAB-OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Summer Microbiologist Intern to work in the microbiology laboratories at the Lynchburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory. Duties include assisting in a wide range of microbiological testing techniques, including the microbiological testing of water samples, aerobic and anaerobic microbiological culturing, and sensitivity testing of isolates. Also assists in the testing of raw and processed food products (including dairy) to detect the presence of harmful bacteria, antibiotic residues and adulterated products. The intern will also assist in the processing of samples, performance of a variety of serological testing, prepare a wide variety of culture media, and help conduct quality control testing on media and culture practices. The selected student will work collaboratively, as a team member, and assist with other related laboratory procedures and administrative support duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Current enrollment in a microbiology, biology, or a closely related scientific degree program is required. Other qualifications include knowledge of microbiological and laboratory procedures, techniques and methods used to carry out examinations with an emphasis on diagnostic bacteriology; and knowledge of general safety procedures necessary in a clinical laboratory. Exceptional oral/written and customer service skills and the ability to follow oral and written directions with precision and accuracy; to work independently; and to develop logical conclusions and to work collaboratively within a team environment is essential. Testing formats require precision, manual dexterity and visual acuity.

A cover letter stating why you are interested in this internship as well as a copy of your transcripts and current class schedule are required in order to be considered and should be attached to your state application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to bring a letter of recommendation from a school official or professor.

This position is open to current students only, including May 2026 graduates. The internship will start following the conclusion of the spring semester and end when school begins in the fall, or no later than six months from the date of hire.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of laboratory sessions and work in a veterinary or medical clinical laboratory providing some microbiology duties.

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.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.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.