What are the responsibilities and job description for the Healthy Aging Data and Evaluation Specialist - Research Scientist 2 position at Minnesota Department of Health?
Working Title: Healthy Aging Data and Evaluation Specialist - Research Scientist 2
Job Class: Research Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department
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 Healthy Aging Data and Evaluation Specialist position exists to shape and guide the use of data to improve outcomes for brain health, including Epilepsy, Dementia, and their risk factors, and other indicators for healthy aging in Minnesota through data-driven public health initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
This position requires in-office work at our St. Paul location 50% of the time.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, the minimum qualifications listed below must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application.
Three (3) years of experience in epidemiology, public health, social science research, health services research, data science, analytics or another closely related field. Experience must include the following:
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.
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.
About Health Department
(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
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:
Training, classes, and professional development Tuition reimbursement 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:
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.
Job Class: Research Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department
- Job ID: 93342
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes - Hybrid - 50% In Office Requirement
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Interest bidders will be considered through 04/15/2026.
- Date Posted: 04/09/2026
- Closing Date: 04/22/2026
- Hiring Agency: Health Department
- Division/Unit: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease (HPCD) Division/Aging and Healthy Communities Unit
- 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: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / 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: Yes
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 Healthy Aging Data and Evaluation Specialist position exists to shape and guide the use of data to improve outcomes for brain health, including Epilepsy, Dementia, and their risk factors, and other indicators for healthy aging in Minnesota through data-driven public health initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing strategies to improve data collection, sharing, and utilization in partnership with multi-sector statewide partners.
- Analyzing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform public health actions, and ensuring that data collection and analysis efforts promote health equity.
- Evaluate the design, implementation, and outcomes of public health programs through program assessment, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and reporting.
- Assist in policy development that supports the effective use of data.
This position requires in-office work at our St. Paul location 50% of the time.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, the minimum qualifications listed below must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application.
Three (3) years of experience in epidemiology, public health, social science research, health services research, data science, analytics or another closely related field. Experience must include the following:
- Research and programmatic evaluation design, methodology, and implementation using qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Experience using statistical analysis tools to analyze health related datasets.
- Experience sharing and communicating results, findings, and analyses with a variety of stakeholders.
- Ability to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative program evaluation data and chronic disease data.
- Ability to identify and evaluate scientific literature, synthesize relevant information, and make recommendations.
- Ability to facilitate inclusive group discussions with diverse internal and external partners.
- Experience working in chronic disease surveillance data sources, methodologies, and literature.
- Experience evaluating public health programs.
- Master’s degree in public health, social science research, epidemiology, health services research or another related health field.
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.
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.
About Health Department
(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)
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
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
- 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
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.
Salary : $67,651 - $99,722