Working Title: Data and Evaluation Specialist
Job Class: Research Scientist 2 or 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 88380
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes - Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers within the Minnesota Department of Health.
Date Posted : 08/21/2025
Closing Date : 08/27/2025
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Office of African American Health (OAAH) / OAAH Division Director Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range:
Research Scientist 2: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,649 - $98,240/ annually
Research Scientist 3: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
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 Data and Evaluation Specialist leads the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of data, evaluation, and reporting systems for the Office of African American Health (OAAH). The Data and Evaluation Specialist is responsible for designing and managing performance measurement frameworks that support the Office's mission to improve health outcomes for African Americans in Minnesota. This role includes leading the development of a performance measurement system that includes identification of health indicators and performance metrics that support measurement and reporting on OAAH goals and objectives, managing data governance and analysis projects, developing evaluation strategies to evaluate health equity outcomes, coordinating data initiatives, and implementing culturally responsive approaches to data collection, interpretation, and dissemination. This role supports the Office's statutory mandates to monitor and improve health outcomes for African American populations in Minnesota.
This vacancy is being announced at two different job classification levels: Research Scientist 2 and Research Scientist 3. Only one position will be filled and the final job classification of the position will be determined based on the selected candidates' qualifications.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota or in counties bordering Minnesota in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out of one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls.
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications must be clearly indicated in the applicant's resume/application to be considered for this vacancy.
Research Scientist 2:
Three (3) years of experience in data science, analytics, interoperability, data equity, informatics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and/or data strategy, data modernization, governance and research. Experience to include the following:
Designing and implementing evaluation frameworks, logic models, and performance measurement systems for public health or community-based programs.
Working collaboratively with community-based organizations, particularly those serving African American populations and other communities impacted by health inequities.
Use of tools used for data analysis and visualization, such as Excel, R, Python, Power BI, or Tableau.
Research Scientist 3:
Four (4) years of experience in data science, analytics, interoperability, data equity, informatics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and/or data strategy, data modernization, governance and research. Experience to include the following:
Providing strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of advanced evaluation frameworks, logic models, and performance measurement systems for public health or community-based programs.
Designing and executing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research to evaluate program effectiveness, inform high-level policy and funding decisions, and fulfill statutory mandates.
Experience working and/or collaborating with senior leaders, cross-sector partners, and community-based organizations, particularly those serving African American populations and other communities impacted by health inequities.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:
Knowledge of public health principles, equity-focused research methodologies, and the structural, social and historical determinants of African American Health in Minnesota.
Proficiency in statistical and data visualization tools such as R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms, with the ability to develop complex, interactive dashboards and analytic models.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgement, uphold stringent data privacy and confidential standards, and address ethical considerations in data and evaluation work.
Ability to produce clear, accessible data reports, dashboards, and visualizations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences
A related doctoral degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience, master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced skill in applying culturally responsive and community-driven evaluation methods, as well as building evaluation capacity among staff, grantees and partners.
Experience providing technical leadership for legislative reporting processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining methodological rigor and cultural relevance.
Expertise in translating complex datasets and technical findings into clear, actionable reports, briefings, and visualizations for audiences ranging from policymakers to community members.
Ability to synthesize and communicate complex information in a culturally relevant, transparent, and equity-centered manner.
Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables across internal teams and external partners.
Additional Requirements
The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass an employment reference check and background 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.
