Lead Data Scientist / Research Scientist 3

Job Details

Working Title: Lead Data Scientist
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 92910
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/17/2026
• Closing Date: 03/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-DSA Analytics & Insights 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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 Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

Job Summary

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. There is a required in office meeting once a month.

This position exists to lead the data, fiscal analysis, and statistical research work of the Analytics and Insights unit of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). As a technical and subject matter expert on topics and programs across OIG’s divisions (Licensing, Background Studies, and Program Integrity and Oversight), the incumbent will provide reports, dashboards, visualizations, and consultation to division leadership within OIG, other administrations across Department of Human Services DHS, and external stakeholders including federal stakeholders, research and policy groups, and the public.

The incumbent with work with DHS leadership and management to conduct complex research and design methodologies or processes for large-scale, strategic projects that drive decisions on OIG’s work with the program areas it oversees and investigates. To successfully accomplish these projects, the incumbent will employ a high level of expertise in the necessary program policy, data systems, technical tools, and statistical techniques to analyze complex programs and systems. The incumbent will also use this expertise to lead the team in developing new solutions to improve the multifaceted work of the OIG including data infrastructure and design improvements; statistical techniques, algorithms, and predictive models; and process improvement. As an expert in the systems and tools used by the team for analysis, the incumbent will be a resource to the team for technical questions and troubleshooting; will coordinate the validation of analysis conducted by the team; and will provide mentorship to team members as they grow their analytics skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years of experience analyzing and reporting with data; performing spatial or statistical analysis and modeling; and managing data and querying databases.

Experience must include demonstrated proficiency in the following:

• Lead work experience including leading projects or teams, mentoring and reviewing work of others, etc.
• Developing and executing Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Experience with Python or R programming languages.
• Data analysis, manipulation, transformation, interpretation and data visualization to support decision-making and insight generation.
• Data visualization (Tableau, PowerBI), and analytic tools/platforms (Alteryx, R Studio, SAS, Databricks, Anaconda) to drive business insights.
• Design and implementation of unit data strategy and expand the use of data to make decisions, ensure program compliance and/or program integrity.
• Ability to create information and present data in ways that are meaningful to the requester.
• Experience working with senior leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of complex government processes, federal-state-county connections, system/business infrastructure design concepts, and fiscal responsibility and accountability methods.
• Experience process mapping complicated systems and processes with cross functional teams.
• Understand data privacy laws and rules such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming and manipulation of data and statistical analysis of data with software such as SAS, Python or R including multiple regression techniques
• Experience using software as a service and cloud solutions like Salesforce, Databricks, Azure data factory, dbt, and Fivetran
• Synthesize and organize large volumes of complex information and ideas and present them, written and verbally, in a succinct, easily understandable fashion.
• Knowledge of Office of Inspector General (OIG) programs and OIG divisions; OIG’s mission, values, and activities; and the state and federal laws and regulations governing OIG’s administration and management.
• Experience in most of the following applications/data systems: MMIS, MAXIS, MEC2, LIS/ELMS, DEED, case tracking applications, NetStudy 2.0, SSIS
• Incorporate data into policy recommendations, objectives, and strategic planning initiatives
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Visio and SharePoint.
• Development and implementation of machine learning or AI models that support statistical analysis to predict program integrity and/or compliance;
• Network Analysis to identify relationships and connections in data (e.g. Neo4j, Python NetworkX);
• Experience analyzing medical claims data for fraud, waste and abuse;
• Understanding of data privacy laws and rules such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Human Services that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:

• Criminal background check
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

Application Details

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

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 Carolyn Rice at carolyn.rice@state.mn.us.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
• 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:

• 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.