Laboratory Scientist

Working Title:
Laboratory Scientist 1
Job Class:
Laboratory Scientist 1
Agency:
Health Department

• Job : 97730
• Location
  :
  St. Paul
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary
  :
  Limited
• Who May Apply
  :
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted
  : 10/16/2026
• Closing Date
  : 10/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
  :
  Minnesota Department of Health
• Division/Unit
  :
  Health Protection / Public Health Lab Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours
  :
  Day Shift
• Days of Work
  :
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required
  :
  No
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status
  :
  Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union
  : 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

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 Laboratory Scientist 1 performs tasks associated with Operations for the PHL Infectious Disease Laboratory (IDL).

Responsibilities include:

• Maintains traceability and chain of custody for specimen receipt into the IDL laboratory
• Determine specimen acceptability for analytical testing.
• Transcribe patient information into LIS software.
• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve submission errors.
• Lead general laboratory supply inventory maintenance, record management, receipt and stocking.
• Receive, fulfill and ship test kits and analytical media to external partners.
• Perform preventative maintenance of equipment, glassware washing, sterilizing and stocking.

This position is temporary in nature and could be ended at any time. The anticipated end date is 09/22/2028. Weekend and holiday specimen work is necessary on a rotational schedule.

All positions within the MDH Public Health Lab work to cultivate an inclusive work environment for all, with respect to diversity and equity.

• One year of clinical or academic laboratory experience working with bacterial and/or viral organisms.

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed during interview:

• Experience following laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products proficiently at intermediate level (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
• The chosen candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of five semester/seven quarter college credits microbiology in, immunology, or related subjects. Applicants must provide evidence of course completion prior to employment.

• Bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical or physical science.
• Knowledge and understanding of safe laboratory practices sufficient to properly and safely handle infectious waste and hazardous chemicals.
• Proficient knowledge of infectious pathogens.
• Knowledge and experience for handling patient identifiable information.
• Experience maintaining laboratory supply inventory.
• Self‑motivated, ability to prioritize and meet given deadlines.

Occasional transportation of up to 25 pounds.

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

MDH does not participate in the federal E‑Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F‑1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I‑9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E‑Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of course completion at time of interview:
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