Drug Chemistry Technical Leader/Forensic Scientist
Job in
Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, 56002, USA
Listed on 2026-07-01
Listing for:
State of Minnesota
Full Time, Part Time
position Listed on 2026-07-01
Job specializations:
-
Research/Development
Medical Technologist & Lab Technician, Research Scientist, Clinical Research
Job Description & How to Apply Below
*
* Working Title:
Drug Chemistry Technical Leader / Forensic Scientist 3*
* ** Job Class:
Forensic Scientist 3*
* ** Agency:
Public Safety Dept*
* +
** Job ** : 94851
+
** Location** :
Mankato
+
** 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 Madison.
Markgraf.us by 11:59 PM 06/30/2026.
+
** Date Posted** : 06/24/2026
+
** Closing Date** : 07/14/2026
+
** 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:** $38.55 - $57.35 / hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 / 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 ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
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.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is seeking an experienced candidate to serve as a Forensic Scientist 3 (Drug Chemistry Technical Leader) for its new Southern Regional Forensic Laboratory in Mankato, Minnesota, currently under construction with an estimated completion in March 2027.
The Drug Chemistry Technical Leader will play a critical role in the development, implementation, and on-going technical operations of the Mankato laboratory. This position is being filled ahead of the facility's grand opening to ensure thoughtful planning, technical readiness, and successful accreditation.
** _During the initial phase, the selected candidate will be based in St. Paul, Minnesota to complete robust required training and onboarding._*
* This full-time, permanent position is the lead worker (Technical Leader) among the forensic scientists in the Drug Chemistry Section. This person will 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 with 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.
BCA Forensic Science Services (FSS) currently operates three laboratory locations:
+ Headquarters Laboratory - St. Paul
+ Northern Regional Laboratory - Bemidji
+ Satellite Laboratory - St. Cloud
The addition of the Mankato Facility marks a major expansion of forensic service delivery in Minnesota and reflects a strong commitment to public safety, scientific excellence, and regional accessibility.
** Additional Information About the BCA Mankato Regional Office:*
* The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is expanding its presence in southern Minnesota and are excited to announce the development of a 56,000 square foot regional office and forensic laboratory in Mankato, MN. Construction began in November 2025, with the facility expected to be fully operational by early 2027. This modern facility will bring together a team of agents, forensic scientists, support staff, and a crime scene response team.
The BCA Forensic Science Services laboratory will provide a range of forensic services, including:
+ Evidence intake
+ Drug chemistry
+ Digital evidence examination
+ DNA analysis
+ Crime scene response
+ Other forensic technologies such as:
National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearm analysis and Rapid DNA
This position is eligible to telework up to two (2) days per week.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
** Minimum Qualifications*
* 1. A bachelor's degree in a physical or life science such as…
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