Mankato Assistant Lab Director​/Forensic Laboratory Asst Dir

Position Overview

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking forensic science leader to serve as Assistant Laboratory Director (ALD) for its new Southern Regional Forensic Laboratory in Mankato, Minnesota, currently under construction with estimated completion in March 2027. This full‑time permanent position will assist the Deputy Superintendent of Forensic Science Services in directing the delivery of a full range of state‑of‑the‑art forensic laboratory services to the Minnesota Criminal Justice System and supervising staff under their control.

• Job
• Location:
  
  Mankato
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes – up to one day per week
• Full/Part Time:
  Full‑Time
• Date Posted: 06/24/2026
• Closing Date: 07/21/2026
• Salary: $47.38‑$68.02 per hour; $98,929‑$142,025 annually
• Work Shift:
  
  Day Shift (Monday‑Friday)
• Travel required:
  
  Up to 25% of time

• Lead laboratory start‑up efforts, including staffing plans, hiring timelines, and operational readiness.
• Oversee service delivery development to ensure efficient and responsive forensic operations.
• Direct accreditation preparation and ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Manage equipment procurement, method validation, and procedure implementation.
• Provide strategic leadership and supervise assigned staff and scientific sections.
• Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage administrative and budgetary responsibilities.
• Serve as key liaison with criminal justice partners and stakeholders.
• Support and guide staff through operational, technical, and legal challenges.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or related science.
• One year of experience as a supervisor or manager in an ISO‑IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory, OR two years of experience as a lead forensic scientist in the same.
• Five years of experience as a forensic scientist in an ISO‑IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in a forensic discipline.
• Documented knowledge of forensic science principles, criminal justice system, rules of evidence, and court testimony.
• Strong administrative, managerial, and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• Knowledge and experience with ISO‑IEC 17025 and relevant forensic science standards, and accreditation assessment processes.
• Applicants not currently working in a BCA laboratory must upload unofficial college transcripts and resume.

• Advanced degree in aforementioned fields.
• Member of American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD).
• Training as an ANAB ISO‑IEC 17025 forensic laboratory assessor/auditor.
• Experience in a diverse array of forensic science disciplines.
• Supervisory experience including employee labor agreements, hiring, and performance management.
• Working knowledge of the legislative process.
• Knowledge and experience with grant management, budgeting, and reporting.

Requires occasional lifting and transporting of 50‑pound items, frequent transportation of heavy tools and file boxes, and ability to move across rough terrain or maintain a stationary position for extended periods.

• Background investigation required to include criminal history, reference check, driver license history, fingerprints (MNJIS), education verification, psychological evaluation, drug and cannabis screen, and SEMA4 records for current and former state employees.

• Paid vacation and sick leave; 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans. Fertility care including IVF, diabetes care, dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan after at least three years of service.
• Employer‑paid life insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tax‑free…