Laboratory Scientist 2

Job Details

Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 79714
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all bidders of MDH and all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be accepted through 09/03/2024.
• Date Posted: 08/28/2024
• Closing Date: 09/11/2024
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Public Health Laboratory / PHL Emerging Contaminants Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

Job Summary

The Public Health Laboratory is looking for a determined individual to analyze environmental per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water samples using solid phase extraction sample preparation techniques and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy instrumentation, 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.

Job responsibilities include:

• Preparation and analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Maintain instrumentation in proper working conditions and troubleshoot when the need arises.
• Follow established procedures as well as contribute to developing and writing new ones.
• Update knowledge, skills and abilities to perform job functions.
• Contribute to operations management, policies and procedures within the Unit.
• Work to cultivate an inclusive work environment for all, with respect to diversity and equity.

All positions within the MDH Public Health Lab will work to cultivate an inclusive work environment for all, with respect to diversity and equity.

This posting will be used to fill 3 vacancies.

Qualifications

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 in Chemistry or equivalent formal sciences.
• Two (2) year of experience conducting laboratory work in an analytical or research program relating to Environmental or Organic Chemistry.
• Experience operating and maintaining mass spectral chromatographic laboratory equipment (gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy or liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy).

Master's degree in chemistry or other related sciences may substitute for 18 months of experience. A PhD may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Previous experience below is required to be considered a candidate and will be assessed during the interview process:

• The ability to work independently, including planning, coordinating own work, and pay strong attention to detail.
• Technical skills in the preparation of samples, standards, and reagents.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Experience following quality control procedures and protocol to ensure accuracy of tests using documented procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS).
• Experience analyzing samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (USEPA or ISO 17025 accredited).
• Technical skills in the preparation of environmental samples using liquid-liquid or solid phase extraction.
• Demonstrated ability to provide training for other laboratory employees, students, or other trainees, to support a collaborative team environment .

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check.

Application Details

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 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 Elizabeth Huckins at elizabeth.huckins@state.mn.us or 651-201-5609 .

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 Elizabeth Huckins at elizabeth.huckins@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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.