Laboratory Scientist 2

Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 90869
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and bidders simultaneously.  Bidders will be accepted through 12/29/2025.
• Date Posted: 12/22/2025
• Closing Date: 01/05/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
• Division/Unit: Public Health Laboratory / Metals and Radiochemistry Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly
• Bargaining Unit: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

This posting is being used to fill two positions.

This position provides analytical support to the Metals and Radiochemistry Unit.  Primarily, the analyst will be responsible for the analysis of samples using techniques and instrumentation appropriate for metals analysis, and to provide analytical results to clientele so that potentially hazardous situations are detected, monitored, and corrected in order to ensure and protect the public health and quality of the environment.

Responsibilities include: 

• Perform analyses on environmental and/or biological samples in accordance with established procedures so that analytical commitments can be met.
• Efficiently investigate problem areas in assigned methods to ensure precise and accurate methodology.
• Perform routine maintenance for instruments utilized in assigned methods and troubleshoot instrument performance issues.
• Update knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation so that the most appropriate analytical techniques are utilized and recommend changes to established techniques and procedures to ensure that the quality and reliability of data generated and reported meets the needs of the client.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry or related scientific field.
• Two (2) years of laboratory experience in an analytical or research setting.
• Experience operating and/or maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process: 

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively to problem solve, and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Technical knowledge of analytical techniques being evaluated and technical proficiency in the preparation of samples, standards, and reagents.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles used in the analytical procedures performed.
• The ability to follow quality control procedures and protocols to ensure accuracy of tests using documented methods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (USEPA, ISO 17025, CLIA).
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and address problems.
• Experience performing metals analysis with precise attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds on an infrequent basis.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass a background and reference check.
• Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us or 651-201-4842.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • 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 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.