Research Scientist 3, St. Paul, Minnesota

Job Details

Working Title: Air Toxicologist
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 4/24.
• Date Posted: 04/17/2024
• Closing Date: 05/08/2024
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Health Department (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / Environmental Health
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.13 - $52.25 / hourly; $73,351 - $109,098 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employee (MAPE)
• 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

Join our dynamic team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), where your passion for public health can make a tangible impact on the well-being of all Minnesotans. MDH is currently seeking an Air Toxicologist to help protect Minnesotans from air pollutants. T he position provides expert technical leadership and support as a member of the MDH Air Toxicology Program in the areas of toxicology and human health risk assessment, deriving health protective guidance for air contaminants. This position will work with MDH Air Toxicologists and Scientists from other agencies to advance our understanding of current and emerging air toxics and protect public health.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Provides scientific research in the areas of exposure assessment, toxicology, and environmental health risk assessment related to air contaminants.
• Research, evaluation, interpretation, and other activities for the development of health-based guidance for toxic substances in air or other media so that the risk management decisions, policies, and practices of state agencies are scientifically sound and protective of public health.
• Communicate and interpret scientific work to scientific and lay audiences in written communications.

The location of this position is St. Paul, MN, however candidates residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota may have the option to telework; telework schedules are based on the Unit's operational needs and are at the supervisor's discretion.

Qualifications

Resumes must reflect qualifications to be considered:

• (4) Four years of analytical research or planning experience in an environmental health science field, specializing in toxicology training or human health risk assessment.

*A bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Health may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

*A master's degree in human or environmental Toxicology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, or Industrial Hygiene may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

*A doctorate degree in Human or Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, or Industrial Hygiene May substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications assessed during the interview process:

• Technical knowledge and experience assessing risks from exposure to toxic substances, including hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response assessment, and risk characterization.
• Ability to organize and write complex technical reports and research papers.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis and statistical principles needed to develop health-based guidance values for toxic substances in air.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree or PhD in Human or Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, or Industrial Hygiene .
• Considerable knowledge of and experience in scientific, experimental and research techniques relating to degrees and work in Toxicology and Human Health Risk Assessment.
• Technical knowledge, skills and professional experience in inhalation toxicology and exposure assessment.
• Experience working with large data sets and statistical principles.
• Knowledge of toxicology and risk assessment databases and dose-response modeling software (e.g. EPA's Benchmark Dose Software).
• Professional experience performing risk communication, planning and analysis work in the area of public health or environmental health programs or a related field.

Additional Requirements

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

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266 .

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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us .

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.

Why Work for Us

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
• 12 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)
• 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.