Infectious Disease Modeling and Analytics Student Worker - Student Worker Para Professional Senior

Working Title: Infectious Disease Modeling and Analytics Student Worker 
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 95285
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/14/2026
• Closing Date: 07/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / IDEPC CCEPP Modeling Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Flexible 
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.20 - $24.02 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 – American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME Technical, Council No. 5)
• Work Area: Health Protection / IDEPC CCEPP Modeling Staff
• End Date: 08/31/2028
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

Join a mission-driven team in the Cross-Cutting Epidemiology Unit of the Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Prevention and Control (IDEPC) Division and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Midwest Analytics and Disease Modeling Center (MADMC) student worker, you will support data analysis and modeling activities that advance public health initiatives across the Midwest. Working within the Cross-Cutting Epidemiology, Programs and Partnerships Section, you will assist with data processing, analysis, technical documentation, and the implementation of analytical tools that support disease modeling, epidemiologic research, and public health decision-making. 

This position may have the option of some teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. Employees may telework from Minnesota or a neighboring state (Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota) under the normal telework agreement.

This position is part-time and will work 20 hours per week. The specific hours and days of work will vary, Monday through Sunday. This position is anticipated to last until August 31, 2028, or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever occurs sooner.

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities. 

This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.

Minimum Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant’s resume/application:

• Completion of two (2) years of post-secondary education.

Student Worker Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker Paraprofessional Senior you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program or plan to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as a student worker, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. If you are enrolled at a credit-granting institution, you 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, you must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load will 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.

Additional minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

• Active learning skills including asking questions, searching for information, reading relevant literature, applying new concepts, and learning new technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare reports; create technical documents; prepare and deliver presentations; collaborate on projects; and establish and maintain good working relationships with others.
• Ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and present data to lay and technical audiences in a meaningful manner, using data visualizations and other tools and techniques.
• Time management skills and ability to work independently; ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks and projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to commit to a 1-to-2-year commitment
• Interest in Epidemiology, Public Health, Mathematics, or related fields
• Current enrollment in a Master’s or Doctorate program focused on public health or a health-related discipline
• Strong interest and/or knowledge in and some experience with mathematical models and other analytic tools
• Computer programming experience using standard statistical and database management software such as Excel, RedCap, Access, R, SAS, etc.
• Ability to collaborate with academic partners and other external experts to achieve shared goals
• Ability to obtain, compile, and analyze data from multiple sources for reporting and evaluating
• Some knowledge of the general nature and objectives of the statewide and national public health programs including local public health

Additional Requirements

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

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

Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.

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 Dama Abuta at dama.abuta@state.mn.us or 651-201-7387.

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.