Research Scientist 2

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

• Job ID: 91447
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• 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 01/25/2026.
• Date Posted: 01/19/2026
• Closing Date: 02/02/2026
• 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 - Minnesota 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 exists to support and promote health services research in Health Economics Program (HEP) by administering the Minnesota All Payer Claims Database (MN APCD), Minnesota Hospital Discharge Database (MN HDD), and other administrative data collection and reporting activities. The focus of this position is on the collection and effective use of non-claims-based data collected in the MN APCD, leveraging expertise in eligibility data, medical claim, pharmacy claim, dental claim, and hospital discharge data. This position is responsible for ensuring data submissions are timely and complete by leading development and implementation of effective compliance, administrative, and governance practices. This position provides advanced database management and statistical assistance to researchers and user communities. The position develops complex data validation systems, descriptive statistics and quality metrics. This position develops comprehensive reference information and presentation materials showcasing HEP’s data. The incumbent will participate in other projects as deemed necessary by the Supervisor of the Health Care Data Service Center.

Primary responsibilities include:

1. Lead and coordinate data management and compliance processes for the MN All Payer Claims Database, Minnesota Hospital Discharge Database, and other administrative data collected and maintained by the Health Economics Program.
2. Lead database capacity initiatives.
3. Provide data and information project support.

The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state.

Minimum Qualifications

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

This experience must include each of the following:

• Experience managing, cleaning, validating, and analyzing complex administrative or health care datasets (e.g., claims, eligibility, hospital discharge, or similar), including assessing data completeness, accuracy, and usability.
• Experience performing quantitative or statistical analysis to support research, evaluation, or policy analysis, such as descriptive statistics, data quality metrics, or other applied analytical methods.
• Experience using statistical or data analysis tools (such as SQL, SAS, Stata, R, Tableau, or similar) to extract, manipulate, analyze, and document large datasets.
• Experience applying data governance, privacy, or security standards when managing data or producing analytical outputs, including review of results to reduce disclosure or re-identification risk.

A bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Ability to verbally explain and defend analytical approaches, including how data quality issues are identified, evaluated, and mitigated when working with complex administrative or health care datasets.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in applying data governance, privacy, and disclosure-avoidance principles, including explaining decision-making related to data access, output review, or release of summary information.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and analytical findings clearly to non-technical audiences, including describing how analyses or data products inform program, research, or policy decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with all-payer claims databases, hospital discharge data, or other large, multi-source administrative health datasets, including familiarity with eligibility, medical, pharmacy, dental, or provider data structures.
• Experience developing or maintaining data quality frameworks, metadata, data dictionaries, or validation rules that support long-term data usability and reproducibility for research or policy analysis.
• Experience supporting or collaborating with diverse data user communities (e.g., researchers, program staff, external partners, or policymakers), including providing technical consultation, training, or user documentation

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.