Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 Or Forensic Scientist 2 (Toxicology)

Working Title: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 (Toxicology)
Job Class: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2
Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Date Posted: 05/10/2023
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Closing Date: 05/24/2023
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift/ 8am - 4:30pm
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Division/Unit: BCA Lab / BCA Lab Toxicology 2
• Classified Status: Classified (Trainee: Non-Status)
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes (Trainee-No)
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional (Trainee-Trainee)

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

TELEWORK UP TO 2 DAYS A WEEK AFTER TRAINING

This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 level.

This posting will result in hiring into one of the following job classifications. The classification level of the position is based on the selected applicant's qualifications and responses to the interview questions.

• Trainee - Forensic Scientist 1, salary $22.69
• Forensic Scientist 2, salary range $31.00-$45.98/hourly: $64,728-$96,006/annually

This full-time, unlimited position provides to the Criminal Justice System the results and interpretation of analyses of submitted evidence. To participate in validation studies of new technology and methods for use in casework. To complete any training required and become proficient in all job duties. To testify as an expert witness as required. This position is located in the Toxicology Section of the BCA.

Minimum Qualifications

Forensic Scientist Trainee
1. A Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology or equivalent from an accredited university.
2. Excellent computer, customer service and communication skills.
3. Ability to work with a diverse clientele.

Forensic Scientist 2
1. A Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology or equivalent from an accredited university.
2. At least two years’ experience working in a forensic toxicology laboratory.
3. Testified in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic analysis.
4. Excellent computer, customer service and communication skills.
5. Ability to work with a diverse clientele.

NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME. YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT. PLEASE UPLOAD IN EITHER PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.

Preferred Qualifications

Forensic Scientist Trainee
1. Masters or PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology or equivalent from an accredited university.
2. Experience in a forensic laboratory gained through an internship or work experience; or work experience doing examinations similar to those conducted in a forensic laboratory.

Forensic Scientist 2
1. Masters or PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology or equivalent from an accredited university.
2. Two years of experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic toxicology laboratory
3. Experience working with gas and liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers.
4. Experience testifying in alcohol and/or drug toxicology cases.
5. Experience testifying regarding uncertainty of measurement as it relates to alcohol and drug levels in toxicology samples.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes the following components:
1) criminal history
2) reference check
3) credit history
4) driver license
5) fingerprint
6) drug screen
7) education verification
8) psychological evaluation

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Leslie Brzezinski at [email protected].

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 Leslie Brzezinski at [email protected].

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is a large and complex agency dedicated to prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, enforcement and education.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• 11 paid holidays each year
• Wellness programs and resources
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Training and professional development
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Dependent care spending account
• Employer paid life insurance
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Public pension plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Tax-deferred compensation

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.

For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at [email protected] or call 651-201-7136.