Title: Deputy Director, Scientific and Regulatory Compliance

State Role Title: Scientist Manager II

Hiring Range: $160,000 – $165,000 

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services is seeking an experienced laboratory leader to serve as Deputy Director for Scientific and Regulatory Compliance. This Deputy Director position will report directly to the Laboratory Director and will work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to promote the role of Virginia’s state laboratory and our mission of “promoting a healthier, safer world through quality laboratory service.”

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), a division within the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS), 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 performing over 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 an active member of multiple laboratory networks led by federal agencies including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure a ready state of laboratory preparedness and surge capacity the Laboratory also directs Virginia's environmental laboratory accreditation program (VELAP).

As a member of the leadership team at DCLS, the Deputy Director will serve as the backup to the high complexity laboratory director when not on site to ensure regulatory and operational continuity in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment requirements.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leadership & Management
• Scientific & Regulatory Compliance
• Project management & tracking
• Workplace Safety and Quality Assurance
• Teamwork & Communication

This position is in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (up to 1 day/week) after 6 months of satisfactory performance/ upon completion of an approved 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, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

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/or direct laboratory personnel and the performance of high complexity testing.  
• Extensive knowledge and experience with laboratory operations and scientific testing in a high complexity testing clinical, environmental or food testing laboratory.
• Experience serving in a leadership role including personnel and project management.
• Experience with the review and tracking of federal funding awards, metrics and fiscal/budgetary reports.
• Extensive technical knowledge and experience ensuring compliance in the areas of laboratory safety, security and quality assurance.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience monitoring and maintaining regulatory compliance with state and federal laws and regulations (i.e. CLIA, TNI, ISO17025, OSHA, FSAP, etc.)

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 and complete a Statement of Economic Interest prior to the first day of employment.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with strategic planning and continuity of operations.
• Experience with the development of detailed reports and/or dashboards to track key performance indicators, milestones and metrics.
• Experience with the development and execution of drills and audits to evaluate the effectiveness of existing laboratory safety, security and quality policies and procedures.
• Experience with laboratory facility design, planning and construction.
• Knowledge and/or experience with the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) and the responsibilities of a Responsible or Alternate Responsible Official (ARO).
• Experience with legal document handling, chain of custody and record retention procedures.

Special Instructions

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 March 4, 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.

The selected candidate must also complete a Statement of Economic Interest prior to the first day of employment.

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. 

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 April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information 

Name: DGS Human Resources 

Phone: 804-786-3910 

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov