Research Scientist - Unlimited Growth Potential

We are desiring to recruit an organized Research scientist to join our incredible team at State of Minnesota in Saint Paul, MN.
Growing your career as a Full Time Research scientist is an unparalleled opportunity to develop relevant skills.
If you are strong in people management, research and have the right determination for the job, then apply for the position of Research scientist at State of Minnesota today!

Job Details Working Title: Research Scientist 2 Job Class: Research Scientist 2 Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Date Posted : 08/04/2023 Closing Date : 08/28/2023 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division/Pesticide Technical Unit Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift Days of Work : Monday - Friday Travel Required : Yes (up to 5%) Salary Range: $28.96 - $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 - $89,094 / annually Classified Status : Unclassified Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE End Date : 07/31/2025 FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional Telework Eligible : Yes Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans. The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary This is a temporary, full-time position with an anticipated end date of July 31, 2025. This position is based out of St. Paul, MN and may be eligible for telework anywhere in the state of Minnesota.
This position exists for two years to conduct a review of existing published literature and other available information on the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pesticides used in Minnesota as directed by the legislative request in Article 2 Section 138 "Reports required; PFAS in pesticides". This position will work closely with PhD and master's level staff from state agencies, federal agencies, universities, pesticide registrant companies, and other interested organizations. This two-year, full-time position is based out of St. Paul, MN, and is eligible for telework anywhere in the state of Minnesota.
This position is part of the Pesticide Technical Unit in the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management division at the MDA. The Pesticide Technical Unit interacts with MDA programs that regulate the sale and use of pesticides in Minnesota. Such programs include monitoring surface water and groundwater for pesticides, developing and promoting pesticide best management practices, permitting and inspection of ag chemical facilities, licensing of facilities, licensing of applicators, and investigating pesticide misuse. The Pesticide Technical Unit also serves as a bridge between science and policy. The Unit links research and practice by informing the MDA and pesticide users of current regulation and research-based best management practices that protect the integrity of the food supply, the health of the environment, and the strength and resilience of the agricultural economy.
Responsibilities include:
Review existing published literature and other available information on the presence of PFAS in pesticides (including as active ingredients, inert ingredients, and through unintentional contamination of pesticides) used in Minnesota. Evaluate and interpret complex scientific research about PFAS and PFAS in pesticides. Gather and organize published literature and other available information and clearly and accurately summarize it for use in legislative reports. Contribute to the completion of PFAS and pesticide reports submitted to legislative committees. Create a framework to categorize when the use of pesticides containing PFAS is currently unavoidable as defined in statute. Research and summarize potential alternative products to those pesticides that contain PFAS. Coordinate with researchers, registrants, and other entities to collect and compile information about pesticides and PFAS. Any other work necessary to determine the risks of, and need for, PFAS in pesticide products used in Minnesota. Represent MDA as a technical expert in meetings and wherever needed on the topic of PFAS and pesticides. 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.
A master's or higher degree in a chemistry, engineering, biology, or environmental sciences field such as: Environmental, biological, polymer, and materials chemistry, civil and environmental engineering, ecological sciences and engineering, environmental studies, earth and environmental sciences environmental geology, soil science, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of practical experience conducting research or evaluating and interpreting research data related to chemicals in manufacturing or the environment. A PhD degree in a chemistry, engineering, environmental sciences, or closely related science may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills suitable for communicating complex and uncertain topics with diverse groups including farmers, scientists, industry, and elected officials.
Established history of writing and publishing technical or scientific material such as extension articles, scientific reports, peer-reviewed articles, and/or scientific communication articles.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications A PhD in a chemistry, engineering, or environmental sciences or a closely related field.
More than two (2) years of practical experience conducting research or evaluating and interpreting research data related to pesticides.
Experience or knowledge of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or similar chemicals as they relate to the environment, agriculture, or agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, adjuvants, etc.
Knowledge of agricultural systems and pesticide related environmental and human health issues in Minnesota or comparable conditions.
Knowledge of pesticide formulations, toxicology, fate and transport properties, or benefits and risks associated with pesticides and related technologies.
Experience working with the public, media, and Minnesota agricultural organizations on complex and controversial scientific or policy issues.
Additional Requirements 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 Driver's License Check Conflict of Interest Review The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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 job information line at View phone number on jobs.institutedata.com or email View email address on jobs.institutedata.com. For additional information about the application process, go to
If you have questions about the position, contact Theresa Cira at View email address on jobs.institutedata.com.
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 Tracy Ohmann at View email address on jobs.institutedata.com.
About Minnesota Department of Agriculture (Include brief description of agency - limit to two sentences)
Why Work for Us Join our interdisciplinary team of (very cool) Research Scientists to make a tangible impact protecting Minnesota's environment and human health. You will work with scientific and regulatory experts across a broad scope of pesticide-related topics such as water quality monitoring, pollinator health, endangered species, contaminant transport, toxicology, PFAS, and education and outreach. We explain and communicate science to decision-makers in the Agency, pesticide users, farmers, and other stakeholders. The work we do is used to develop pesticide best management practices and inform decisions about the regulation of pesticides. Join our team to see the impact your efforts have helping Minnesotans use pesticides safely and judiciously.
Diverse Workforce We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule Comprehensive Benefits Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
Public pension plan Training and professional development Paid vacation and sick leave 11 paid holidays each year Paid parental leave Low-cost medical and dental coverage Prescription drug coverage Vision coverage Wellness programs and resources Employer paid life insurance Short-term and long-term disability Health care spending and savings accounts Dependent care spending account Tax-deferred compensation Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations 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 View phone number on jobs.institutedata.com or email View email address on jobs.institutedata.com and indicate what assistance is needed.

Benefits of working as a Research scientist in Saint Paul, MN:
? Unlimited Growth Potential
? Advancement opportunities
? Competitive salary