Mankato Assistant Lab Director / Forensic Laboratory Asst Dir

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree* in Business Administration, Public Policy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or related science
• One (1) year of experience as a supervisor or manager in an ISO-IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory OR two (2) years of experience as a lead Forensic Scientist in an ISO-IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory
• Five (5) 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 the principles and practices of forensic science and the criminal justice system, including rules of evidence and court testimony
• Strong administrative, managerial and leadership skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills including the ability to work effectively with Bureau management and external customers
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities
• Knowledge and experience with ISO-IEC 17025 and relevant Forensic Science standards, the accreditation assessment process and compliance activities

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or a related science
• Member of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)
• Trained as an ANAB ISO-IEC 17025 forensic laboratory assessor/auditor
• Knowledge and experience in a diverse array of forensic science disciplines
• Supervisory experience including experience with employee labor agreements, hiring, and performance management
• Working knowledge of the legislative process
• Knowledge and experience with grant management including budgeting and reporting

Skills

• Collaborative, strategic leadership
• Highly impactful role in building a legacy
• Establishing a high-performing, mission-driven laboratory team
• Building strong partnerships across the criminal justice community
• Ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and scientifically sound forensic results
• Advancing innovation and best practices in forensic science

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• 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