Analytical Laboratory Chemist (LC/GC-MS) - Laboratory Scientist 2
Job Details
Working Title: Analytical Laboratory Chemist (LC/GC-MS)
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 2
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 97645
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to Bidders and all qualified job seekers.
- Date Posted: 10/13/2026
- Closing Date: 10/19/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Division/Unit: Laboratory Services Division / Environmental Analysis Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (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
This position will research, develop, and implement analytical methodologies, and analyze routine and non-routine samples using established analytical methods. These analyses are conducted to detect the presence of pesticides and other chemical contaminants. This position will act as the lead analyst for analyzing a variety of cannabis product samples for pesticides and mycotoxins. It will also prepare and analyze routine, non-routine, rush and emergency samples so that quality data is obtained and evaluate and document all quality control procedures so reported data can withstand legal and scientific review.
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.
Two (2) years of previous experience working in a food and/or environmental analysis laboratory. A bachelor's degree in chemistry or closely related field will substitute for one (1) year of experience and a Master's Degree in Chemistry or a closely related field may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
Additional required experience
- General knowledge of chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometers, including operating and maintaining LC-High Resolution Accurate Mass-MS (LC-HRAM-MS).
- Experience of using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Experience conducting literature searches and interpreting and adapting published analytical methods.
- Knowledge and experience to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others from hazards that exist in an analytical laboratory environment.
- Good verbal and written communication skills sufficient to summarize results, interpret technical information and prepare sample reports.
- The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
A Bachelors Degree or higher in Chemistry or a related field.
Experience using analytical instruments such as GC/MS, LC/MS and LC-High Resolution Accurate Mass-MS (LC-HRAM-MS).
Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of analytical chemistry, including electronic processing of data obtained by LC-High Resolution Accurate Mass-MS (LC-HRAM-MS).
Experience working in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory environment.
Experience in sample preparation techniques such as QuECHERS salt and SPE cleanup.
Experience extracting chemicals from cannabis flowers, concentrates, and a variety of food and beverages.
Experience using the standard addition technique to quantify residue level chemicals in problematic matrices.
Physical Requirements
This position exists in an analytical laboratory. As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this type of environment are assumed to be present. Hazards such as chemical and biological exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases, and mechanical hazards exist in the MDA laboratory. This position must be comfortable working around these hazards, wearing personal protective gear and have sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to recognize and prevent harm to themselves and others working around them.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
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 Careers Help Desk at [click to reveal phone number] or email [click to reveal email address] . For additional information about the application process, go to [click to reveal website link] .
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Yoko Johnson at [click to reveal email address] .
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 Becky Hierlinger at [click to reveal email address] .
About Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans' quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
- Protecting our food supply;
- Protecting our natural resources; and,
- Cultivating our agricultural economy.
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 [click to reveal phone number] or email [click to reveal email address] and let us know the support you need.