Senior Research Scientist - Research Scientist 3

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

• Job ID: 90996
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid
• 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 12/29/2025.
• Date Posted: 12/23/2025
• Closing Date: 1/12/2026
• Hiring Agency:  Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Executive Office / Center for Health Statistics
• 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 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• 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.

Elevate your career working as a Senior Research Scientist at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), where your data collection expertise would make an impact on the well-being of all Minnesotans!

The position exists to develop, conduct, and consult on data collection efforts throughout the state of Minnesota at the state and local level.  Public health entities throughout the state regularly require information from the Minnesota Center for Health Statistics for their program evaluation efforts.  To ensure that data has been rigorously and effectively collected, this position requires a skilled individual to ensure data collection is properly conducted for various efforts including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Student Survey and various local public health surveys.

This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location.  

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Four (4) years of experience conducting or consulting on survey research, including questionnaire design, sampling, data cleaning/management, statistical analysis, and reporting.

A related degree may substitute for experience as follows:

• Doctorate = 24 months 
• Master’s = 18 months
• Bachelor’s = 12 months
• Associate’s = 6 months

Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Knowledge of survey methodologies, questionnaire design, sampling strategies, data quality assurance, and data management.
• Skill with statistical packages such as Stata, SPSS, R, or SAS for complex survey data analysis, including the design and use of sampling weights.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse clientele and clearly communicate statistical research to non-technical audiences.
• Professional judgement and problem solving related to data management and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with rural and remote communities and populations of color.
• Experience with large multiyear datasets.
• Experience interpreting MDH and federal laws and rules pertaining to disease, death, risk factor, and health resource surveillance.

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 Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us or 651-201-5617.

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 Amy Winters at amy.winters@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.