Working Title: Data Scientist
Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 85429
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid (permanent, classified employees in the same job and class). Eligible bidders should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing megan.lund@state.mn.us by 11:59 PM 04/15/2025.
Date Posted : 04/09/2025
Closing Date : 04/22/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
Division/Unit : Traffic Safety / Traffic Safety
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
The Research Analysis Specialist Senior - Data Scientist is responsible designing and developing aspects of the Road Safety Information Center (RSIC) data analytics platform. The role will support the implementation of traffic safety-related informatics projects for RSIC data analytics platform and the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). Key responsibilities include designing and developing of data analytics/science related products using techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotics process automation, and artificial intelligence; conducting analysis using software and/or programming languages; and identifying problematic issues and reporting discrepancies and providing appropriate recommendations to leadership. Additionally, this position will develop and deliver training materials and written guidance to support RSIC users and contribute to overall RSIC operations.
The position will also play a key role in identifying subject matter experts and building and maintaining effective working relationships with both internal and external partners.
The incumbent will conduct advanced research using modern data analysis and statistical tools to analyze OTS data as well as data from internal and external partners.
Responsibilities also include evaluating and addressing issues related to electronic data submissions, setting onboarding priorities, and proposing solutions. The position will ensure the quality of data, develop new methodologies, and interpret findings. Finally, the role will lead the preparation of research reports for publication, sharing results with management and key stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
To ensure proper crediting, please include a cover letter and ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each position held.
Three* (3) years of experience conducting applied research or data analytics projects in traffic safety, public health, criminal justice, transportation or a related field.
Demonstrated proficiency in statistical software and programming languages, including SQL, Python, and/or SAS for data cleaning, transformation, modeling, and analysis.
Experience designing and conducting quantitative and/or mixed-methods research, including data visualization, modeling, trend analysis, and dashboard development.
Knowledge of data modeling, data integration, and the ability to work with large and complex datasets from multiple sources (e.g., administrative, public, internal agency databases).
Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
Applicants who meet the above qualifications will be further evaluated on:
Ability and commitment to maintain data in accordance with state and federal law and a high level of research ethics.
Ability to review and present data in an unbiased manner and to carefully consider diverse perspectives.
Ability to effectively design and work on research projects independently, as part of a research team, and with a variety of stakeholders.
Ability to identify problems over the course of the research process and develop creative solutions.
Experience working independently on complex research or analytical projects with minimal supervision.
Verbal and written communication skills, with experience collaborating across interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
Organization and time management skills to complete research tasks across multiple projects with competing deadlines, and ability to pivot when priorities shift.
*A completed degree that provided sufficient training in statistics/research methods (e.g., data science, public health, public policy, or social science) from an accredited program may substitute the following:
Bachelor's: one (1) year of work experience.
Master's: two (2) years of work experience.
PhD (from an R1 or R2 institution, denoting high research activity): three (3) years of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in developing and deploying machine learning, NLP, RPA, or AI-based data solutions in a public sector or research environment.
Familiarity with traffic safety, public health informatics, or transportation data systems, particularly in relation to equity-focused program evaluation.
Experience managing or contributing to the development of enterprise-level data analytics platforms (e.g., RSIC or similar), including onboarding, user training, and system improvement.
Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor others in research and data analysis, including training colleagues and end users in analytic tools or methods.
Knowledge of data governance, ethical use of data, and data privacy standards, especially in public or government settings.
Experience contributing to or leading Requests for Proposals (RFPs), or engaging in external partner collaboration (e.g., law enforcement, courts, local governments).
Familiarity with federal and state traffic safety initiatives, such as those from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others, and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:
1) criminal history
2) reference check
3) drivers license check
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
