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!

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.

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.).

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.
• Maintain relationships with other state, federal, and academic partners involved in public health workforce development for AMD activities.
• 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for General Supervisor in a high complexity testing laboratory.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of bioinformatics analysis of infectious disease genomes.

Visa 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.