Senior Evaluation Scientist - Research Scientist 3

Working Title: Senior Evaluation Scientist - Research Scientist 3
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 94644
• 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 06/30/2026.
• Date Posted: 06/24/2026
• Closing Date: 07/07/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Health Systems / Health Policy / Office of Rural Health & Primary Care
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Re-Posting: Yes
• 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.

Join the Minnesota Department of Health as a Research Scientist 3 and play a key role in shaping the future of rural health care across Minnesota. This position leads high-impact research, evaluation, and performance measurement activities for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), helping state and federal leaders understand what works to improve access, quality, sustainability, and outcomes in rural communities.

In this role, you will design and lead complex mixed-methods research studies, develop statewide performance measurement frameworks, analyze large and complex datasets, and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations. You will collaborate with Tribal Nations, rural providers, policymakers, grantees, and national partners to inform health care transformation efforts and support data-driven decision making that directly impacts rural and underserved Minnesotans.

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Lead the design, implementation, and reporting of statewide performance measurement and evaluation frameworks for RHTP-funded initiatives. 
• Conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative research studies related to rural health systems, access to care, workforce, and service delivery innovation. 
• Analyze complex healthcare and program data using statistical software and develop dashboards, reports, and data visualizations for diverse audiences. 
• Develop policy recommendations and communicate research findings to executive leadership, legislators, CMS, providers, and community stakeholders. 
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to support data collection, quality assurance, federal reporting, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

Occasional travel to meetings across the state is required. 

This vacancy announcement will be used to fill multiple Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) Senior Evaluation Scientist positions.

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 or in a bordering state within 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.

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

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

• Four (4) years of experience* in health-related qualitative and quantitative survey research, performance measurement, and program evaluation.
• Experience using statistical analysis software such as SAS, Stata, R, SPSS, SQL, or similar tools

*A degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Health Services Research, Sociology, Economics, Data Science, Public Policy or a closely related field may count towards experience as follows:

• Associates = 6 months.
• Bachelors = 12 months.
• Masters = 18 months.
• PhD = 24 months.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process: 

• Experience designing and conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research studies or program evaluations.
• Experience with implementing and managing performance measurement frameworks for large-scale grant programs, healthcare initiatives, or system transformation efforts. 
• Experience with developing meaningful, actionable, and feasible metrics that align with program goals, federal reporting requirements, and operational realities.
• Experience collecting, validating, cleaning, managing or interpreting quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources.
• Strong written communication skills sufficient to prepare technical reports, briefing materials, or research summaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting health services research, rural health research, or healthcare program evaluation.
• Experience working with Medicaid, Medicare, CMS reporting requirements, or federal grant-funded programs. 
• Experience with rural hospital or clinic performance measurement.
• Experience developing performance measures, logic models, or evaluation frameworks for large-scale initiatives, or designing and implementing mixed-methods evaluation studies.
• Experience translating research findings into policy recommendations, legislative materials, or executive-level presentations.

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.
• 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.  
• 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 Danielle Whitney at dani.whitney@state.mn.us or 651-201-3701.

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 Danielle Whitney at dani.whitney@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.