Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 87095
• Location : St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : Yes / Hybrid
  Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Temporary
• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted : 08/02/2025
• Closing Date : 08/15/2025
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit : Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control / Highly Impacted Setting
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• End Date : 1/16/2026
• 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.

Job Summary

THIS POSITION IS BEING REPOSTED. IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED TO THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY TO BE CONSIDERED.

This a temporary position and is expected to end on January 16, 2026.

Join our mission-driven team in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control (IDEPC) Division of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), where you will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of Minnesotans!

This temporary position exists within the Emerging Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Response (EIDER) Section/Highly Impacted Settings Unit to coordinate statewide surveillance activities and automating case reporting for hospitalized influenza surveillance while also supporting other influenza surveillance needs.

Working as an Influenza Case Report Automation Specialist-Research Scientist 3 you will:

• Coordinate statewide surveillance activities and automating case reporting for hospitalized influenza surveillance while also supporting other influenza surveillance needs.
• Manage case-based influenza databases and incoming data, working with MN health systems and hospitals to automate hospitalized influenza patient reports, building queries in medical charting systems (mostly EPIC) to pull information necessary to satisfy reporting requirements.
• Build and maintain code or processes to translate data pulled from EPIC to import into Minnesota Electronic Disease Surveillance System (MEDSS), and supporting the general functions of the Emerging Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Response (EIDER) and the Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Sections and the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control (IDEPC) Division.
• Coordinate weekly reporting from hospitals/health systems to MDH; research best practices for case ascertainment queries and data translation; and develop query and reporting protocols for ongoing reporting needs.

This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.

This is a temporary position with an anticipated end date of 1/16/2026.

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.

Four (4) years of experience in designing, planning, organizing, implementing, directing or evaluating data-related projects.

This experience may also include needs assessments, program evaluation, research studies using primary or secondary database linkage efforts, data analysis and interpretation, management information systems or data collection, and monitoring systems in health-related programs.

A degree in public health, epidemiology, or health informatics may substitute for experience as follows: A doctorate in one of the above areas will substitute for two years of experience; a master's degree in one of the above areas may substitute of 18 months of experience; a bachelor's degree in one of the above areas may substitute for one year of experience; an associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to analyze, interpret and communicate data, recommendations and complex technical or statistical information in ways that are meaningful.
• Deep understanding of data transformation principles, including cleaning, deduplication, validation, and anomaly detection.
• Ability to design and implement data pipelines and databases (such as EPIC).
• Ability to design and lead research, including evaluation activities that lead to quantifiable results.
• Understanding of data privacy and protection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to design and implement data pipelines from EPIC database.
• Previous experience designing and leading research, and evaluation activities that lead to quantifiable results.
• Proficient with writing complex SQL queries, and/or SlicerDicer, Reporting Workbench, Crystal Reports, etc.
• Proficient in exploring and analyzing unstructured / text data and conclude findings/insights.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

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

If you have questions about this position, contact Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us or 651-201-5617 .

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 Amy Winters at amy.winters@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 and 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.