Drug Chemistry Technical Leader​/Forensic Scientist

Overview

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. 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.

• Lead the technical activities of the Drug Chemistry Section, including development, implementation, and ongoing technical operations of the Mankato laboratory.
• Maintain the training program for the section.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.
• Two years full-time experience as a Forensic Scientist 2 in the Drug Chemistry Section at the BCA Forensic Science Services or equivalent in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic drug chemistry analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance procedures, validation methods, and statistics for data analysis.
• Experience with various drug chemistry techniques, instrumentation, and related software.
• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification.
• Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
• Experience with standard computer software (word processing, spreadsheets).

Work Shift:

Day Shift
• Days:
Monday - Friday
• Travel:
Up to 25% of the time. Telework eligibility: up to two (2) days per week.

The BCA operates multiple laboratories including:

• Headquarters Laboratory – St. Paul
• Northern Regional Laboratory – Bemidji
• Satellite Laboratory – St. Cloud
• New Mankato Regional Laboratory – Mankato, MN (facility under construction, fully operational by early 2027)

• Salary Range: $38.55 - $57.35 hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 annually
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt - Professional
• Telework eligible; sponsorship for work visas is not available. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
• Background checks, including criminal history, reference checks, drug screens, education verification, and other components, are required.
• Final date to receive applicationss:
  Date Posted 06/24/2026;
  Closing Date 07/14/2026.

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Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.