Laboratory Scientist 1

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and…

Pension and life insurance

Disability insurance

Tax-free benefit accounts

Job summary

The Laboratory Scientist 1 role with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Public Health Lab Operations requires performing Operations tasks for the IDL, including specimen receipt, testing eligibility, LIS data entry, and equipment maintenance. The position emphasizes accuracy, inventory control, and coordination with external partners.

Minimum qualifications include one year of lab experience with pathogens, SOP adherence, and completion of microbiology coursework.

Qualifications

• One year of clinical or academic laboratory experience working with bacterial and/or viral organisms.
• Experience following laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products proficiently at intermediate level (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
• Applicants must provide evidence of course completion for at least five semester/ seven quarter microbiology-related credits.

Responsibilities

• Maintains traceability and chain of custody for specimen receipt into the IDL laboratory.
• Determine specimen acceptability for analytical testing.
• Transcribe patient information into LIS software.
• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve submission errors.
• Lead general laboratory supply inventory maintenance, record management, receipt and stocking.
• Receive, fulfill and ship test kits and analytical media to external partners.
• Perform preventative maintenance of equipment, glassware washing, sterilizing and stocking.

Skills

Clinical lab experience

SOP adherence

MS Office proficiency

Microbiology coursework

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological/chemical/physical science

Job description

Working Title: Laboratory Scientist 1
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 1
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97730
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/16/2026
• Closing Date: 10/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Health
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / Public Health Lab Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

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 Laboratory Scientist 1 performs tasks associated with Operations for the PHL Infectious Disease Laboratory (IDL).

Responsibilities include:

• Maintains traceability and chain of custody for specimen receipt into the IDL laboratory
• Determine specimen acceptability for analytical testing.
• Transcribe patient information into LIS software.
• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve submission errors.
• Lead general laboratory supply inventory maintenance, record management, receipt and stocking.
• Receive, fulfill and ship test kits and analytical media to external partners.
• Perform preventative maintenance of equipment, glassware washing, sterilizing and stocking.
  

This position is temporary in nature and could be ended at any time. The anticipated end date is 09/22/2028. Weekend and holiday specimen work is necessary on a rotational schedule.

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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of clinical or academic laboratory experience working with bacterial and/or viral organisms.

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed during interview:

• Experience following laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products proficiently at intermediate level (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
• The chosen candidate must have successfully completed a minimum of five semester/seven quarter college credits microbiology in, immunology, or related subjects. Applicants must provide evidence of course completion prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical or physical science.
• Knowledge and understanding of safe laboratory practices sufficient to properly and safely handle infectious waste and hazardous chemicals.
• Proficient knowledge of infectious pathogens.
• Knowledge and experience for handling patient identifiable information.
• Experience maintaining laboratory supply inventory.
• Self‑motivated, ability to prioritize and meet given deadlines.

Physical Requirements

Occasional transportation of up to 25 pounds.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

MDH does not participate in the federal E‑Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F‑1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I‑9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E‑Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of course completion at time of interview: Successfully complete minimum of seven quarter or five semester college credits in microbiology, immunology or related subject and provide evidence of course completion.

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 [e-mail].

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

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 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.