Title: Newborn Screening Lead Scientist - CL660 State Role Title: Scientist III Hiring Range: $103,000 - $115,000 Pay Band: 6 Agency: Department of General Services Location: DCLS Agency Website: https://dgs.virginia.gov/ Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties The Department of General Services (DGS), Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) provides laboratory testing for local, state, and federal partners with the mission to promote a healthier, safer world through quality laboratory service. At DCLS our employees are adaptable, work with integrity, are collaborative, and drive quality results. Our fast-paced, innovative environment will challenge you with new experiences, enhance your skills while working side-by-side with leading laboratory professionals, and allow for collaboration with our diverse and forward-thinking team that is driven by a collective purpose to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth. DCLS is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Lead Scientist and subject matter expert to support scientific efforts to develop and implement screening and characterization testing for genetic and metabolic newborn disorders and other infectious agents using a variety of instrumentation and technology. The Newborn Screening (NBS) laboratory at DCLS works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to ensure prompt laboratory screening of every newborn in the Commonwealth as part of Virginia's Newborn Screening Program to ensure timely identification of rare, life-altering disorders impacting newborns. The NBS Lead Scientist position will be responsible for working in collaboration with several sections within DCLS to provide technical expertise and guidance as it relates to the development, validation and implementation of genetic testing and result interpretation for existing and new newborn disorders and other agents of public health significance. Other duties will include serving on the variant interpretation committee to perform final review and approval of clinical interpretation of variant determinations, providing consultation regarding laboratory testing methodologies and result interpretation, and collaborating with other members of the laboratory to expand and enhance NBS testing, as appropriate, according to the recommended uniform screening panel (RUSP) and advances in analytical technologies. This position will actively collaborate with VDH to support the technical, programmatic and regulatory processes associated with new disorder implementation. This position will report directly to the DCLS Deputy Director. 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. DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Qualified state employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). As a full-time employee with the Virginia Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, you may be able to take advantage of this program! Visit the site Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for more information including eligibility requirements. Minimum Qualifications * Meet the educational and personnel qualifications stated in 42 CFR, Part 493, Subpart M and be certified by a Board approved by HHS [§.493.1443(b)] to manage and direct laboratory personnel and the performance of high complexity testing or be board-certified as a clinical molecular geneticist or molecular genetic pathologist or equivalent. * Comprehensive knowledge of newborn screening, clinical genetics, molecular biology, genotyping and/or variant analysis. * Knowledge of genetic conditions and the implications for medical management and patient care. * Comprehensive knowledge in human genomics resources * Experience with the use and interpretation of sequencing data generated by different technologies * Demonstrated project management skills and capacity to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously * Knowledge of clinical laboratory science, laboratory quality assurance and the regulatory requirements under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) * Experience with the validation and verification of new methods * Knowledge of laboratory safety practices * Excellent oral and written communication skills Additional Considerations * Certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMCG) * Experience working in a high complexity testing public health laboratory * Experience with the use of laboratory information management systems * Demonstrated experience preparing and presenting highly technical trainings and communicating scientific information to audiences of varied professions * Experience with grant writing, budget creation, and monitoring * Knowledge of laboratory statistical methods * Experience with automated sample preparation and molecular test design 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 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. Completion of Statement of Economic Interest is required prior to first day of employment. The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check. 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. 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. Fax, e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted. The online State application must contain all required information and fully respond to the questions to be considered for this job opportunity. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office at jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or call 804-786-3910. Applications will be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received. After 5 business days, this position may be closed at any time. The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance. 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. 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 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.