Drug Chemistry Technical Leader / Forensic Scientist 3

About the role

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. This position is being filled ahead of the facility’s grand opening to ensure thoughtful planning, technical readiness, and successful accreditation.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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 position and length at another ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic science 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.

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.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to follow laboratory quality assurance procedures, best laboratory practices, validation methods and the use of statistics to analyze data.
• Experience with a variety of drug chemistry techniques, instrumentation, and specialized computer software.
• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification.
• Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
• Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in drug chemistry techniques and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance procedures and best practices.

Benefits

• One of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years).
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.

Pay

$38.55 - $57.35 / hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift

Monday - Friday

Up to 25% travel required