Lab Specialist - P0153

Overview

Advance your laboratory career by applying to be a Laboratory Specialist for the Data IT Support Group! Join one of the nation’s most advanced state laboratories and make an impact that truly matters. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in protecting public health by working in a collaborative laboratory environment and supporting critical testing that protects Virginia’s health, environment, and safety.

Title: Laboratory Specialist (Data/IT Support) – P0153
Location: Richmond, VA

• Receives and accession Newborn Screening (NBS) samples to support moderate and high‑complexity testing.
• Serves as a primary customer service contact, providing reliable support to staff and clients.
• Performs data entry, results reporting, and tracks the timeliness of team workloads as assigned.
• Provides administrative and technical support to scientists and other higher‑level personnel, including monitoring department inventory and maintaining accurate records.
• Supports quality assurance efforts by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of laboratory demographic data and outgoing mailings.

• Experience providing excellent customer service by investigating issues and resolving problems for internal and external customers.
• Experience with accessioning laboratory samples accurately.
• Experience with recording accurate documentation and strong alphanumeric data entry skills.
• Experience with basic office equipment, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Good technical skills, strong attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication, time management, sound decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures, prioritize work, and identify errors.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in an open office environment with various noise levels.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, train others, and serve as a team lead.
• Ability to serve on call weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling clinical records, client data, and/or testing results.

• Experience working in a clinical and/or environmental laboratory.
• Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Experience as a team lead, training staff in accordance with policy and procedures, and/or prioritizing the work of others.
• Experience with following standard operating procedures (SOP) and quality assurance policies.

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 is required at time of hire. The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint‑based criminal background check. Blood‑borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer, and DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine to comply with OSHA requirements.

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.