Drug Chemistry Technical Leader - Forensic Scientist 3

Working Title: Drug Chemistry Technical Leader

Job Class: Forensic Scientist 3

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID : 86078

• Location : St. Paul or Bemidji

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing Madi Markgraf by 11:59 PM 05/15/2025.

• Date Posted : 05/09/2025

• Closing Date : 05/22/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE

• Division/Unit : BCA Lab / BCA Lab Chemistry 1

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time

• Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is telework eligible. The number of telework days per week will depend on the agreed upon schedule but will not exceed two days per week.

This announcement will be used to fill one Forensic Scientist 3, Drug Chemistry Technical Leader position. This position will be filled at either the St. Paul or Bemidji Laboratory.

This full-time, permanent position will be a lead worker (Technical Leader) among the forensic scientists in the Drug Chemistry section. This incumbent will help lead the technical activities of the section, which will include activities such as:

• Maintain the training program

• Maintain the section's quality assurance program

• Maintain the instruments used in the section

• Provide the Criminal Justice System the results and interpretation of analyses of submitted evidence

• Perform technical and administrative reviews of cases

• Assume the duties of the section supervisor in their absence

• Testify as an expert witness as required

These activities will be conducted in adherence to the agency policies and procedures in a manner that embodies the mission, vision and values of the MN BCA. This position may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for inclusion in the Crime Scene Response Program.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Bachelor’s degree* in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.

2. Two (2) years full-time experience as a Forensic Scientist 2 in the Drug Chemistry Section at the BCA Forensic Science Services or equivalent position and length at another ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic science laboratory.

3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic drug chemistry analysis.

4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

5. Ability to work with individuals from a diverse background.

*NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT CURRENTLY WORK IN A BCA LAB MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME. YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT. PLEASE UPLOAD IN EITHER PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.

Preferred Qualifications

1. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.

2. Demonstrated leadership skills.

3. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to follow laboratory quality assurance procedures, best laboratory practices, validation methods and the use of statistics to analyze data.

4. Experience with a variety of drug chemistry techniques, instrumentation and specialized computer software.

5. American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification.

6. Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.

7. Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

A Criminal History Background check and reference checks will be completed on the prospective employee. Additional components to the background check for this position will include the following:

1) A criminal history check

2) Reference check

3) Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)

4) Psychological Evaluation

5) Driver License history

6) Education verification

7) Drug screen

The BCA will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.