Data and Evaluation Specialist - Research Scientist 3

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: 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, 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.
  
  

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 Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.

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 Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@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.