OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are currently recruiting for a Scientist position. The Scientist position is responsible for a variety of activities that support agencies of the Commonwealth including those with a mission to serve public health, public safety, agriculture, food safety and environmental protection and related duties as assigned. This FULL TIME position is up to $25.00 per hour and is located in Richmond, VA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Participate in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.


• The Contract employee will extract analyze wastewater samples for illicit drugs and their metabolites. 


• The contractor must be familiar with and have experience flowing laboratory processes and procedures related to analysis of samples using highly complex laboratory equipment such as a liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer. 


• The person must be familiar with chemical and biological safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls. 


• The person must be able to follow instructions/ Standard Operating Procedures and is task/ detail oriented. 


• Tasks will include extraction and analysis of samples calibration and maintenance of instruments

At the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), DCLS employees are adaptable and work with integrity to provide quality laboratory testing in a collaborative scientific environment. Our fast-paced and innovative environment challenges our employees with new experiences every day allowing for the strengthening of skills by working side-by-side with leading professionals providing immediately impactful results to the community. As the state public health, environmental and newborn screening laboratory, DCLS provides support for local, state, and federal partners with the mission to promote a healthier, safer world through quality laboratory service. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated staff of DCLS.

DCLS Scientists are responsible for a variety of activities that support agencies of the Commonwealth including those with a mission to serve public health, public safety, agriculture, food safety and environmental protection. Our Scientists perform routine and emergency, moderate to high complexity laboratory testing. Other duties may include the training of others, limited method adaptation, and method verification and validation. 

• Perform analysis on variety of sample types for the detection of respiratory agents of public health significance. 


• Testing methodologies include but are not limited to nucleic acid isolation and standard and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. I


• n addition, duties will also include assisting with the development and validation of new methods, performing QA/QC procedures, maintaining accurate records, and maintenance of high throughout equipment. 


• Weekend and after-hours work will be required during emergency testing events. Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. 


• Selected applicant must pass a fingerprint-based criminal history check. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this position.


• Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings and seminars as assigned.


• Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures, to continually improve efficiency of the department and services performed.


• Efficiently performs duties as assigned and works as a team within division and company.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the theory and application of microbiological, chemistry, serological or molecular principles 


• Ability to compile and formulate data, draw conclusions and provide data interpretation.


• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles 


• Experience following procedures and accurately completing documentation


• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices


• Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills within the English language.


• Proven, high quality customer service (internal and external customers).


• Ability to work collaboratively.


• Solid ability to analyze situations carefully and adopt appropriate courses of action.


• Ability to understand and adhere to the duties, methods, and procedures required by the position.


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to prioritize tasks.


• Ability to effectively communicate to large and small group audiences.


• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma


• Bachelors degree or a combination of some college education and experience.


• Experience working in a team environment


• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.

Preferred Qualifications and Duties:

• Advanced degree in chemical, physical, biological or medical laboratory science.


• Experience with laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, and testing, and record retention.


• Experience with moderate to high complexity testing in molecular biology, microbiology, or chemistry 


• Experience with advanced molecular diagnostics such as Next Generation Sequencing


• Experience with bioinformatics software or computerized DNA sequencing data analysis


• Pathogen detection using ELISA or other methods


• Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and mechanical equipment


• Experience working in a biosafety level three environment


• Experience working in an ISO 17025, CLIA or TNI quality environment

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 


• Must be able to lift and move up to 30 pounds at times. 


• Standard hours of work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.


• Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.


• You like to make your employer look good.


• You find solutions, where others only see problems.


• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.


• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.


• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.

The benefits of working for ATHENA include:

• Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.


• Medical, dental and vision insurance.


• Medical and dependent flexible spending account.


• Pet insurance.


• Mass transportation benefit for the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.


• 401k with a generous employer match.


• Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.


• Paid time off varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.


• Holiday pay varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required.  The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.