Scientist; Chemical Terrorism - CL

Overview

Join the Virginia Department of General Services’ Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) as a Scientist in the Chemical Terrorism Preparedness & Response Lab, a nationally recognized Level I member of the CDC’s Laboratory Response Network. In this critical role you will perform advanced analytical testing that directly supports public health and emergency response for the Commonwealth.

Title: Scientist (Chemical Terrorism Preparedness & Response) – CL600

State Role

Title:

Scientist I

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

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, Virginia (on‑site)

Agency Website: dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Responsibilities

• Perform highly complex chemical testing, meet turnaround and holding times, and manage workload priorities.
• Maintain chain of custody and ensure data integrity in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Perform QA/QC procedures, troubleshoot methods, document maintenance, and support 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet the education, experience, or training requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standard for high‑complexity testing personnel as defined in 42 CFR 493.1489.
• Knowledge of chemical principles and laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols for the safe handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious, or toxic substances.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, prioritize work, and identify errors.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory.
• Experience with complex computer‑interfaced instrumentation including inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and/or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).
• Experience accessioning specimens and reporting results accurately.
• Experience performing moderate to high‑complexity testing in a laboratory.
• Experience performing and documenting QA and QC procedures, compiling and formulating data, and interpreting QC data/results.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience with chain of custody procedures.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and/or Microsoft Office products.

Benefits

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre‑tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid short‑term and long‑term disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with tax‑deferred savings and employer matching. Supplemental bus passes, rideshare, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Other Requirements

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at the time of hire. The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint‑based criminal background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 Ameri Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: 804‑786‑3910

Email: JOBSginia.gov