Research Scientist 2

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Job Details

Working Title: Research Scientist 2

Job Class: Research Scientist 2

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97557
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/07/2026
• Closing Date: 10/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / Public Health Lab (PHL)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• End Date: 09/30/2028
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work youll 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

Join a mission-driven team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MOH). This position exists to provide research to support the planning, development, implementation, and operation of a new Laboratory Information System (LIS), specifically for leading interoperability of the LIS with external partners. This position leads a wide range of technical and programmatic evaluations, assessments, analyses, and other activities related to public health information systems and health informatics.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the implementation of the new LIS for the IDL section.
• Ensuring that internal and external interoperability standards are up-to-date and in accordance with HL7 messaging guidelines.
• Identifying goals, information needs, and priorities in collaboration with MOH divisions, program managers, unit supervisors, and internal and external users.
• Providing technical assistance and training for the use of LIS as well as health informatics expertise and support.

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. 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.

This position is temporary in nature and could be ended at any time. The anticipated end date is 09/30/2028.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service 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 performing database system management, business analysis, or health informatics functions. Experience must include the following:

• Researching, planning, developing, and implementing information systems.
• Working collaboratively with stakeholder groups to identify needs and set goals.
• Providing training, as well as technical assistance and support.

A related associates degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A related bachelors degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A related masters degree may be substituted for eighteen (18) months of experience. A related doctorate degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in public health, health informatics, data science, analytics, or related field, and/or certification in business analysis, data science, or health informatics.
• Experience delivering custom developed systems for the business, implementing Custom Off the Shelf (COTS) solutions and/or Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, as well as experience working with laboratory information systems.
• Experience with SQL, R, Python, or data visualization, as well as experience with business process modeling tools.
• Experience with systems design, including conceptualization, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, document, and prioritize requirements.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This position does not require a drivers license however it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting.
• MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

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.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Baer at megan.baer@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 Minnesotas 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, youll 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.