Looking to make a real impact on public health? The Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is hiring a Scientist I to join our Food Safety & Security Group, supporting statewide laboratory testing that protects the health and safety of communities across the Commonwealth.

Title: Scientist (Food Microbiology) – CL032 & CL070

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $76,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking two experienced candidates to serve as a Food Microbiology Scientists in the Food Safety & Security 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 Food Safety & Security Group at DCLS provides a wide variety of laboratory testing for local, state and federal agencies in support of food safety and security and the testing of food and other Commodity testing at DCLS is performed to assure quality of foods and other products (animal feeds, fertilizers, etc.) to ensure they are free from microbiological and chemical contamination (natural and intentional), filth, metals, and other adulterants. Food, feed and fertilizer products are analyzed for truth in labeling which is important for the health and safety of our citizens, our livestock and our environment but also important economically to the Commonwealth. The ability of VDACS to take regulatory action when food safety violations occur requires that DCLS maintain an expanded list of methods on our scope of accreditation which include both high volume tests and infrequently used tests.

The Food Microbiology laboratory uses classical microbiology and advanced laboratory testing methods to identify harmful pathogens, toxins, and adulterants in the food supply commercially sold in Virginia.  Laboratory testing is routinely performed in support of:

• Food surveillance activities by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
• Food recalls occurring locally or nationally
• Foodborne outbreak investigations by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) or other state and federal public health partners

As a Food Microbiology Scientist in the Food Safety & Security Group, 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 Requirements:

• Knowledge of the theory and application of chemical, microbiological and molecular principles
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and equipment
• Experience independently performing moderate to high complexity testing and routine chemistry analysis
• Ability to follow procedures, prioritize work and identify errors
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
• Ability to lift 30 pounds

This position will be 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 with microbiological or molecular testing of food and/or environmental samples
• Experience working in a biosafety level three (BSL-3) environment
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions and providing data interpretation
• Experience in performing and documenting quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC). procedures and interpreting QC data/results
• Experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Experience working in an accredited or regulated ISO 17025, or TNI quality environment

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 May 21, 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.

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.