Analytical Laboratory Chemist (LC/GC-MS) - Laboratory Scientist 2

Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking an Analytical Laboratory Chemist (LC/GC-MS) to advance analytical methods for detecting pesticides and contaminants in cannabis and related samples. You will analyze routine and emergency specimens, lead QC activities, and ensure data integrity for legal review.

The role requires expertise in LC-MS techniques, LIMS usage, and experience with chromatographic analyses. Work is performed in a day-shift laboratory setting in St.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a food and/or environmental analysis laboratory.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry may substitute for one year of experience; Master’s may substitute for 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead analyst for cannabis product samples for pesticides and mycotoxins.
• Analyze routine, non-routine, rush and emergency samples to ensure quality data.
• Evaluate and document QC procedures for defensible reporting.

Skills

LC-MS

LIMS

Literature review

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

LC-HRAM-MS

GC/MS

LC/MS

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No

• 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

Working Title: Analytical Laboratory Chemist (LC/GC-MS)

Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 2

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

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. 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.

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

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