Research Scientist 2, Health Economics

Working Title: Research Scientist 2, Health Economics
Job Class: Research Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 90743
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 1/25/2026.
• Date Posted: 1/19/2026
• Closing Date: 2/02/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health
• Division/Unit: Health Systems / Health Policy 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

This position supports and advances health services research using data created and maintained by the Health Economics Program (HEP), including the Minnesota All Payer Claims Database (MN APCD), the Minnesota Hospital Discharge Database (MN HDD), and additional administrative data sources. The role is responsible for designing and producing accurate, timely, and comprehensive reports, analyses, and data visualizations that effectively communicate key findings, insights, and trends to inform statewide policy.

A primary focus of this position is the collection, analysis, and effective use of dental claims data within the MN APCD. This work requires expertise in eligibility data, medical and pharmacy claims, and hospital discharge data. Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining dashboards created by the Health Care Data Service Center (HCDSC) and its partners; creating and implementing data quality frameworks; supporting data-sharing initiatives across the HCDSC team; administering user group activities; and preparing technical and user-support documentation.

This position also contributes to MN APCD data quality improvement initiatives by investigating, documenting, and enhancing the accuracy of data related to health care costs and spending, health insurance coverage, hospital utilization, uncompensated care, and health plan enrollment and financial statistics. The incumbent will also participate in additional projects as assigned by the Supervisor of the Health Care Data Service Center.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct and support data visualization initiatives.
• Lead data quality improvement initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate dental data collection and data sharing initiatives

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office must work in-office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees outside that radius may telework more with division director approval.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years experience in data science, analytics, interoperability, data equity, informatics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and data strategy, data modernization, governance and research.

Experience should also include each of the following:

• Experience performing quantitative data analysis using statistical or programming tools (e.g., SQL, SAS, R, STATA, Python, Tableau), demonstrated through prior employment, internships, or research roles.
• Experience developing data visualizations or dashboards that communicate analytical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets—including preparing, cleaning, validating, or assessing data quality—for use in research, analytics, or reporting.

A degree in a similar field may substitute for experience as follows:

• AS equivalent to 6 months experience
• Bachelor equivalent to 12 months experience

Qualifications to be assessed during the interview phase:

• Ability to communicate complex analytical or technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting analytical methods, assessing data quality issues, and determining appropriate approaches in ambiguous or unfamiliar situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, including negotiating priorities, integrating stakeholder feedback, and contributing to cross-agency projects.
• Ability to interpret analytical findings in the context of health policy implications and articulate insights that inform decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working specifically with health care claims data (e.g., dental, medical, pharmacy, or hospital discharge data), including understanding submission requirements and data structures.
• Experience developing or maintaining dashboards or analytical tools for public-facing or policy-focused audiences, particularly in a health services or public health context.
• Demonstrated experience leading data quality improvement initiatives—such as creating data quality frameworks, metadata standards, or validation protocols.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s health care delivery system, health policy landscape, or health services research topics (e.g., utilization, access, costs, equity) to support interpretation of analytical findings.

Additional Requirements

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

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 Kaitlyn Crowley at katie.crowley@state.mn.us or 651-201-5984.

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 Kaitlyn Crowley at katie.crowley@state.mn.us.

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.