**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’ll 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:** DCLS **Agency Website:** dgs.virginia.gov **Recruitment Type:** General Public - G **Job Duties** The [Virginia Department of General Services (DGS)](https://dgs.virginia.gov/) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Scientist in the Chemical Terrorism Preparedness & Response (CT) laboratory for the Commonwealth's [Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS)](https://dgs.virginia.gov/division-of-consolidated-laboratory-services), 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 the Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program. The **Chemical Terrorism Preparedness & Response Section** at DCLS was one of four state laboratories originally selected in 1998 to provide support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for laboratory analysis for human exposure to chemical warfare agents. Expanding on the capacity of these four laboratories, the CDC established the Laboratory Response Network (LRN-C) to respond to accidental or intentional exposure of people to toxic chemicals. The LRN-C is a national laboratory network in which DCLS serves as a Level I member maintaining the highest level of testing capability and capacity. This capability includes maintaining the ability to test human clinical specimens for toxic chemicals and the ability to serve as a backup laboratory for the CDC in a large-scale chemical terrorism event. As a **Chemical Terrorism Preparedness & Response (CT) Scientist**, 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 Qualifications** - Meet the education, and experience or training requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standard for high complexity testing personnel as defined in [42 CFR 493.1489](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493#493.1489). - Knowledge of the theory and application of chemical principles and chemical 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. 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](https://studentaid.gov/pslf/). **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 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) testing. - Experience accessioning specimens and reporting results accurately. - Experience independently 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 MS Office products. **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. 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 **July 16, 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. From July 1, 2026, through January 21, 2029, applicants who were terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025 due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency may be eligible for [HB494](https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flis.blob.core.windows.net%2Ffiles%2F1216745.PDF/2/0100019ead38695b-75f3561f-be93-4581-bfbe-69b709204b96-000000/A19YGen9s-N7BuzQLAnEIC5g__AzMawZZloKqsgDFI0=452) Federal Employee Priority Consideration. Applicants seeking HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration must identify themselves within the state application process and provide supporting documentation, including a Standard Form 50 (SF-50), verifying their eligibility. **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](https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx) 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. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer