Principal Scientist (Advanced Molecular Detection Training) - CR563

Are you a Molecular Biologist experienced in Next-Generation Sequencing and interested in a fulfilling career with the Commonwealth?

Do you have considerable experience training staff and assessing laboratory competencies?

Apply to be a Principal Scientist for Advanced Molecular Detection Training!

Title: Principal Scientist (Advanced Molecular Detection Training) - CR563

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $89,000 - $102,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services (DGS)

Location: Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

DGS is seeking a Principal Scientist for Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Training at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). As part of the Sequencing & Bioinformatics Group (SBG), this position is responsible for identifying and addressing workforce development training needs among DCLS and external partners for the application of AMD technologies to infectious diseases. They will also serve as a primary liaison with other state and CDC partners to provide guidance and expertise in AMD workforce development activities.

As the Virginia State Laboratory, DCLS provides high quality and timely analytical testing, consultation, training, quality assurance, certification and research for the Commonwealth of Virginia, other States, and Federal Agencies. Our mission includes maintaining an emergency response capability for various health and environmental emergencies, enhancing the community’s health, protecting the environment, and supporting the agricultural sector of commerce.

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.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate all aspects of hosting AMD training sessions and workshops, including site selection, approvals, budgeting, program development and evaluation, speaker contract negotiations and agreements, special events coordination, registration, on-site logistics, travel and housing arrangements, call hosting and facilitation, post-training grant reporting, and listserv management.
• Collaborate with others within SBG and DCLS Group Managers to develop and assemble communication materials and trainings for internal and external partners for various AMD related projects and pathogen groups. These can range from situation reports, one page information sheets, and presentations to educate stakeholders about infectious disease genomics.
• Maintain relationships with other state, federal, and academic partners involved in public health workforce development for AMD activities, and participate in national collaborations to further the development and implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) at state public health laboratories.
• Provides consultation to laboratory personnel to ensure the proper performance of and/or perform highly complex analyses throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing as needed.
• Designs and conducts investigative work to develop improved testing methodologies or services, as well as provide data for Department approved public health surveillance and research activities as needed.
• Performs sequencing, genomic analysis, or report generation for routine investigations as needed.

This position is located in Richmond, Virginia and eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (telework up to 1 day/week) after 6 months of satisfactory performance and the completion of a Telework Agreement.

We’ve got great benefits!

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, DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for General Supervisor in a high complexity testing laboratory as defined by 42 CFR 493.1461
• Work-related experience in molecular biology testing, including Next-Generation Sequencing.
• Considerable experience with training staff and assessing laboratory competencies.
• Experience with developing science/health communication and training materials for different technical backgrounds.
• Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions, and providing interpretations of data.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of bioinformatics analysis of infectious disease genomes, including experience performing bioinformatics analysis of genomes.
• Ability to manage the design of comprehensive training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance and outbreak response.
• Ability to host training sessions on bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and genomic surveillance techniques.
• Knowledge of QA and QC procedures and how to properly document and interpret QC data.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Skill in the operation and troubleshooting of complex laboratory equipment and associated computer systems for the analysis of specimens and reporting of results.
• Demonstrated project management skills and capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, follow procedures, and prioritize work.
• Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify errors and solve problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment, including excellent oral and written communication skills.

Additional Considerations

• Experience designing comprehensive training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance, outbreak response, or a related topic.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language (Perl, Python, etc.) and Unix operating systems.
• Proficiency in at least one workflow manager (Nextflow, Snakemake, WDL, etc.) and containerized software (Docker, Singularity, etc.)
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving issues associated with databases and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience working in a public health laboratory or a public health setting.
• Experience in implementation of complex bioinformatics solutions with limited supervision.
• Experience performing high complexity, high volume molecular testing.
• Experience writing grant proposals and/or assisting in grant writing efforts.
• Experience with CLIA regulations and audits.

Special Instructions

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.

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 of your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

This position has regulatory requirements that necessitate certain qualifications, outlined in the information provided above. If you intend to utilize education to meet these requirements, you must submit an unofficial transcript with your application, including a conferral date.

Prior to your first day of employment, you will also be required to submit official attestations from the organizations at which qualifying training and/or experience was attained. Individuals who have degrees from foreign institutions must have an evaluation of their credentials to determine their education is equivalent to that of a United States (U.S.) institution. Please refer to section 493.2 in the Guidelines for Laboratories and Laboratory Services for additional information. 

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov. 

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