Working Title: Mankato Assistant Lab Director / Forensic Laboratory Asst Dir
Job Class: Forensic Laboratory Assistant Director
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 94504
Location : Mankato
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/02/2026
Closing Date : 06/22/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-Managerial
Division/Unit : BCA Lab / Criminal Apprehension Lab
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $47.38 - $68.02 / hourly; $98,929 - $142,025 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking forensic science leader to serve as Assistant Laboratory Director (ALD) for its new Southern Regional Forensic Laboratory in Mankato, Minnesota , currently under construction with estimated completion in March 2027 . This modern 56,000 square foot regional office and forensic science laboratory will bring together a team of agents, forensic scientists, support staff, and a crime scene response team.
The Mankato 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 is a unique and highly impactful leadership opportunity to help build, shape, and launch a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory that will serve the Minnesota criminal justice system for decades to come. This full-time permanent position assists the Deputy Superintendent of Forensic Science Services in directing the delivery of a full range of state of the art and competent forensic laboratory services to the Minnesota Criminal Justice System and to supervise the staff under their control.
About the BCA Forensic Science Services
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.
Position Overview
The Assistant Laboratory Director will play a critical leadership role in the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of the new Mankato laboratory. This position is being filled now-well ahead of the facility's opening-to ensure thoughtful planning, strong operational readiness, and successful accreditation.
During the initial phase, the selected candidate will be based in St. Paul for onboarding and operational buildout, while integrating with the BCA FSS leadership team to cultivate relationships, align on organizational values, and intentionally carry forward the culture and standards of excellence into the new Mankato laboratory. The position will transition to a permanent work location in Mankato upon completion of the facility.
The selected candidate will be directly responsible for helping bring a new forensic laboratory to life by shaping its culture, operations, and long-term impact.
The Assistant Laboratory Director will be instrumental in:
Establishing a high-performing, mission-driven laboratory team
Building strong partnerships across the criminal justice community
Ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and scientifically sound forensic results
Advancing innovation and best practices in forensic science
Key Responsibilities
Working in close partnership with the Laboratory Director, the Assistant Laboratory Director will:
Lead laboratory start-up efforts, including staffing plans, hiring timelines, and operational readiness
Oversee service delivery development, ensuring efficient and responsive forensic operations
Direct accreditation preparation and compliance with applicable standards and regulations
Manage equipment procurement, method validation, and procedure implementation
Provide strategic leadership and supervision for assigned staff and scientific sections
Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives
Manage administrative and budgetary responsibilities
Serve as a key liaison with criminal justice partners and stakeholders
Support and guide staff through operational, technical, and legal challenges
This is a rare opportunity to help build a legacy by establishing a modern forensic laboratory from the ground up while advancing public safety and scientific excellence across Minnesota. If you are a collaborative, strategic leader ready to take on a high-impact role, we encourage you to apply.
This position may be eligible for telework up to one day 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree* in Business Administration, Public Policy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or related science. See note below for unofficial transcript requirement.
One (1) year of experience as a supervisor or manager in an ISO-IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory OR two (2) years of experience as a lead Forensic Scientist in an ISO-IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory.
AND
Five (5) years of experience as a Forensic Scientist in an ISO-IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory.
AND
Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in a forensic discipline.
Documented knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic science and the criminal justice system, including rules of evidence and court testimony.
Strong administrative, managerial and leadership skills.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills including the ability to work effectively with Bureau management and external customers. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
Knowledge and experience with ISO-IEC 17025 and relevant Forensic Science standards, the accreditation assessment process and compliance activities.
*Note: Applicants that do not currently work in a BCA Laboratory must upload unofficial college transcripts and resume to their application. Either attach a resume and a second attachment with your transcripts using the cover letter attachment @type or combine the documents as a single attachment. Please upload documents in either PDF or docx format.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or a related science.
Member of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD).
Trained as an ANAB ISO-IEC 17025 forensic laboratory assessor/auditor.
Knowledge and experience in a diverse array of forensic science disciplines.
Supervisory experience including experience with employee labor agreements, hiring, and performance management.
Working knowledge of the legislative process.
Knowledge and experience with grant management including budgeting and reporting
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
Driver License history
Fingerprints (MNJIS)
Education Verification
Psychological Evaluation
Drug + Cannabis Screen
SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)
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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
