Laboratory Scientist Intern

This posting will be used to fill five (5) positions within the Laboratory Services Division.

The laboratory scientist intern positions will be working at the MN Department of Agriculture laboratory supporting and performing analyses following ISO17025 accredited procedures on environmental and agricultural samples.  Depending on analytical unit placement, the position will help support regulatory and monitoring programs for the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and / or Office of Cannabis Management by producing high quality lab results in a timely manner.  Main responsibilities of the laboratory scientist interns may include, but are not limited to, sample preparation, instrument calibrations, sample extractions using automated systems, and data management utilizing LIMS and instrument software. 

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.

Completion of at least two years of post-secondary education and currently enrolled in a degree-granting program majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science or related field. 

Completion of at least a one-year of general chemistry with a laboratory course.

Proficiency working with personal computers and software related to databases, spreadsheets and charts. 

Ability to communicate, influence and persuade a diverse audience both orally and in writing 

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Student Worker eligibility status:
To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in high school or in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

One year of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry or analytical chemistry.  

Completion of at least two years (or 4 courses) with a laboratory class. 

Work experience in a university research laboratory or other analytical laboratory setting. 

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and move heavy objects up to 50 pounds. 

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 exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards exist in this section.  This position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others.  This position must be able to function in this environment and must be comfortable wearing personal protective gear.