Birth Defect Epidemiologist Senior - Epidemiologist Senior

Working Title: Birth Defect Epidemiologist Senior - Epidemiologist Senior
Job Class: Epidemiologist Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 96409
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary Unclassified - Anticipated to end 04/30/2028
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/19/2026
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division/Unit: Child and Family Health Division / Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• End Date: April 30, 2028
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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.

The Birth Defects Epidemiologist Senior is located in the Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis (BDMA) unit, which resides in the Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN) section, within the division of Child and Family Health (CFH).

The Birth Defects Epidemiologist Senior provides necessary epidemiological capacity for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Birth Defects Information System. In working closely with the Birth Defects Epidemiologist Principal the Birth Defects Epidemiologist Senior will develop and implement plans for data collection, data linkage, quality control and evaluation for the birth defects surveillance system, including database management, interoperability, reporting, and related projects. This position will provide analysis of birth defects data and synthesizing results into written reports, published papers and presentations ensure translation into meaningful action. Finally, this position also assists other section epidemiologists with analytical support for targeting intervention, prevention, and services for communities, patients, and their families.

This position is temporary in nature and could be ended at any time. The anticipated end date is April 30, 2028.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota further than 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years of experience in pregnancy related risk and protective factors, conditions, and birth outcomes, including birth defects or another closely related Maternal and Child Health field as it relates to designing and conducting epidemiologic investigations and/or surveillance. Experience must include the following: 

• Experience in designing, maintaining, and evaluating public health surveillance systems, including the establishment of quality assurance/quality control programs, and evaluation of such programs, using the CDC’s Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems or similar tools. 
• Experience writing and preparing grants, contract proposals and reports. 
• Experience using statistical programming such as R, SAS, Stata or another closely related program. 

Degree Equivalencies

A related degree may substitute for experience as follows:  Doctorate or JD may substitute for two (2) years of experience.  A master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.  A bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.   

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience in basic visual analytics such as Tableau or Power BI; and geographic analysis/GIS and mapping. 
• Working knowledge of the general nature and objectives of Maternal and Child Health public health and Title V programs. 
• Thorough knowledge of Minnesota Department of Health functions, policies, and procedures. 
• Knowledge, skill and experience in establishing culturally competent public health programs and working with diverse populations. 
• Knowledge of vital records, administrative datasets, and Electronic Health Records (EHR) including data elements and reporting needs; newborn screening and public health genomics; and conducting epidemiological investigations of pediatric chronic diseases and their short- and long-term treatment/intervention outcomes.

Additional Requirements

• This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting. 
• 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.  

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.

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 health.hr.ada@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. 

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

Benefits 

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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.