Work Study Forensic Science Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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.

Job Summary

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, currently under construction with an estimated completion in March 2027.

The Drug Chemistry Technical Leader will play a critical role in the development, implementation, and on-going technical operations of the Mankato laboratory. This position is being filled ahead of the facility’s grand opening to ensure thoughtful planning, technical readiness, and successful accreditation. During the initial phase, the selected candidate will be based in St. Paul, Minnesota to complete robust required training and onboarding. 

This full-time, permanent position is the lead worker (Technical Leader) among the forensic scientists in the Drug Chemistry Section. This person will lead the technical activities of the section, which will include activities such as:

• 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.

These activities will be conducted in adherence to the agency policies and procedures in a manner that embodies the mission, vision, and values of the MN BCA. This position may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for inclusion in the Crime Scene Response Program. 

BCA Forensic Science Services (FSS) currently operates three laboratory locations:

• Headquarters Laboratory – St. Paul
• Northern Regional Laboratory – Bemidji
• Satellite Laboratory – St. Cloud

The addition of the Mankato Facility marks a major expansion of forensic service delivery in Minnesota and reflects a strong commitment to public safety, scientific excellence, and regional accessibility. 

Additional Information About the BCA Mankato Regional Office:

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is expanding its presence in southern Minnesota and are excited to announce the development of a 56,000 square foot regional office and forensic laboratory in Mankato, MN. Construction began in November 2025, with the facility expected to be fully operational by early 2027. This modern facility will bring together a team of agents, forensic scientists, support staff, and a crime scene response team.

The BCA Forensic Science Services laboratory will provide a range of forensic services, including:

• Evidence intake
• Drug chemistry
• Digital evidence examination
• DNA analysis
• Crime scene response
• Other forensic technologies such as: National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearm analysis and Rapid DNA

This position is eligible to telework up to two (2) days per week. 

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

1. A bachelor’s degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent. Please see instructions below for unofficial transcript requirements.
2. 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.
3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic drug chemistry analysis.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

NOTE: Applicants that do not currently work at a BCA lab MUST submit unofficial college transcripts and resume together on the job application page where you upload your resume. You may attach your transcripts as a second attachment using the cover letter attachment type OR you may combine your resume and transcripts into a singular file and upload as a resume attachment. Please upload file as a docx or PDF. 

Failure to include unofficial college transcripts with your resume will result in automatic disqualification from this position. 

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.
2. Demonstrated leadership skills.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to follow laboratory quality assurance procedures, best laboratory practices, validation methods and the use of statistics to analyze data.
4. Experience with a variety of drug chemistry techniques, instrumentation, and specialized computer software.
5. American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification.
6. Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
7. Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).

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

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

Criminal history

Reference check

SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

Psychological evaluation

Driver's license history

Fingerprints (MNJIS)

Drug + cannabis screen

Education verification 

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.