Working Title: Sickle Cell Epidemiologist - Epidemiologist Senior
Job Class: Epidemiologist Senior
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 93717
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes / Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers and interest bidders simultaneously.
Date Posted : 04/25/2026
Closing Date : 05/08/2026
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division / Chronic Disease and Environmental Epidemiology Section
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / 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 (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 Sickle Cell Epidemiologist exists to use epidemiological expertise to design, conduct, and disseminate data analyses and program evaluation in two areas: Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) program and the Minnesota Cancer Reporting System (MCRS). The incumbent will ensure that epidemiologic data analyses and evaluation results are interpreted, reported, disseminated, and translated into meaningful action for the SCDC and MCRS using a community-participatory, multidisciplinary approach. This position will also guide and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of data systems, working closely with the SCDC data management and analysis colleagues.
For the Sickle Cell Data Collection program, this position will lead and coordinate with staff to aggregate, compile, analyze, interpret, report on, link, and evaluate the sources and content of qualitative and quantitative data collected from interviews, focus groups, vital statistics, newborn screenings, surveys, insurers, hospitals, clinics, and other data sources across Minnesota, and nationally, that may contribute to our understanding of the care practices and health outcomes for individuals identified through the data systems. For the Minnesota Cancer Reporting System, this position will coordinate and collaborate with epidemiology and data analytics colleagues to conduct cancer analyses, respond to data requests, design cancer dashboards and reports, and coordinate data dissemination activities with MCRS staff and non-MDH partners. The incumbent will also contribute to writing grants, reports, peer-review manuscripts, and professional presentations at the local, state, and national levels.
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 designing and conducting epidemiologic investigations and/or surveillance relating to maternal and child health or chronic disease. Experience must include the following:
Experience using statistical methods, programs, analysis and modeling and database management using SAS, R, SQL or similar software.
Experience using geographic information system (GIS) software.
Experience creating data visualizations using software such as Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or Microsoft Excel.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, create technical documents, write grants, prepare and deliver presentations and training, and collaborate on projects.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional personnel, particularly those in surveillance, epidemiology, evaluation and other data-related fields.
Degree Equivalencies:
A degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, maternal and child health, or health services research or closely related field may substitute as follows:
Doctorate Degree: May substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
Master's Degree: May substitute for up to eighteen (18) months of experience.
Bachelor's Degree: May substitute for up to one (1) year of experience.
Associate's Degree: May substitute for up to six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of public health genomics, birth defects, newborn hearing screening, , and blood spot testing for diseases in newborns.
Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
Knowledge of and demonstrative experience in public health surveillance and epidemiologic study design, implementation, and analysis.
Knowledge of and experience using secondary data such as vital records, claims data, and electronic medical record data.
Experience with qualitative study design, analysis, and reporting.
Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to state and local public health programs.
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.
