Working Title: Data and Evaluation Specialist - Research Scientist 3
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 93613
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes / Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Interest bidders will be considered through 04/22/2026.
Date Posted : 04/16/2026
Closing Date : 04/29/2026
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division / Sage and Cancer Programs
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / 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 develops and executes section-wide plans to optimize the feasibility, effectiveness, and utility of Cancer Programs. By managing program data, conducting performance analyses, and assisting with grant applications and reporting, this role ensures operational excellence, evidence-based decision-making, and the continued funding of public health initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities:
Designing and implementing section-wide assessment tools and surveys to evaluate population health outcomes and program impact.
Executing data-driven strategies to maximize the reach and utilization of cancer and heart health screening services.
Analyzing program data to provide actionable insights on effectiveness and efficiency for section leadership.
Overseeing data preparation and information management to support routine reporting and project-specific requirements.
Coordinating the drafting of grant renewals, continuation applications, and progress reports to ensure program sustainability.
Enhancing internal workflows and centralizing stakeholder communication to streamline overall program delivery and operational alignment.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) , 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. Aligning initiatives with existing statewide infrastructure and policy.
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) years of experience in data science, analytics, data equity, informatics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, data strategy, data modernization, and/or governance and research in a public health field. Experience must include the following:
Experience working within health promotion, chronic disease prevention and/or cancer control.
Experience in data visualization using Power BI, Tableau or another closely related software.
Experience in database management utilizing SQL.
Experience using analysis software such as SAS, SPSS, Stata or R.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:
Ability to collaborate effectively on research, evaluation, and data projects.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and activities of others to implement an intervention or survey/data collection project.
Ability to write, maintain, and update technical documentation for reports, manuscripts, and grant applications.
Degree Equivalencies:
A related Doctorate degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience; A related Master's Degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; A related Bachelor's Degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience; A related Associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Behavioral or Social Services, Health Economics, Education, Health Services Research, Communications, Marketing or closely related field.
Considerable knowledge of health systems and services.
Considerable knowledge of measurement theory and survey design.
Extensive experience in data management and quality control that includes data cleaning, validation, and quality assurance.
Considerable knowledge in evidence-based health promotion and community health interventions.
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.
Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.
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.
