Senior Researcher
Salary
$88,566.40 - $143,707.20 Annually
Location
390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-00249
Division
Community Development
Department
Research
Opening Date
06/16/2026
Closing Date
7/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.
More information about us on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
The Community Development division is responsible for the Councils regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs.
The Community Development Research department collects, disseminates, and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data about demographic trends and inequities, development patterns, climate change, parks visitation, long-range forecasts, and the regional economy. We believe research can improve the lives of residents in our region and see our skills, creativity, and platforms as resources to further shared understanding about regional issues that matter.
This position is part of the Strategy and Product Design team, a specialized group within the research department. We center people, integrate equity, and transform technical into accessible through-and by-design. We serve as an in-house information design and user experience (UX) consultancy for the division's regional planning departments in addition to maintaining a portfolio of applied research projects.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Senior Researcher will directly support the research department's mission to provide relevant, timely, and accessible data about the Twin Cities region to the public and organization. This is not a typical government research position, however. All team members are skilled information designers and trained in user experience (UX) design principles and product thinking to build and support digital experiences.
The Senior Researcher will use their strong quantitative skills to carry out applied research about the region's people and places, generating internal data assets (like outcomes-focused measures) and well-designed, public content. Further, this position will play an integral role in delivering and managing digital products. Generally, this work involves: 1) contributing to the team's user experience research (UXR) program by conducting interviews, facilitating usability testing, and writing data collection tools like surveys; and/or 2) the hands-on development of web-based interactive applications using tools like Tableau, R Shiny, and ESRI GIS.
The initial balance of these responsibilities will be based on the Senior Researcher's experience. The best-qualified candidate will have a solid foundation in applied quantitative or mixed-method research, and demonstrable communication and design skills that they've used to effectively share research with diverse audiences.
What you would do in this job
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in Social Sciences such as sociology, geography, or economics; Urban Studies, Public Policy, Applied Mathematics, Data Science or related field); AND experience (including applied social science research; advanced data analysis and statistical modeling; information design, data visualization and/or technical communications or content strategy; and/or developing web-based, interactive applications or similar digital products):
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
What is the knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six (6) months on the job:
Knowledge of:
Skilled in:
Ability to:
What you can expect from us:
More about why you should join us!
Additional information
Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email? HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
01
Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.
02
How did you first hear about this job opening?
03
If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Cover letters will be reviewed for this position. Did you attach one?
05
A data visualization sample will be reviewed for this position. Did you attach one? Note: You must submit this sample as a PDF file. Any other document, image, webpage, links, or BI-generated file types will NOT be accepted (including-but not limited to-.doc, .docx, .gsheet., jpeg, .png, .html, .htm, .twbx, app.R, or ui.R).
06
Please select the option that best reflects your combination of education and experience. Education in one or more of the following fields: Social Sciences (e.g., demography, economics, geography, sociology), Urban Studies, Public Policy, Applied Mathematics, Data Science or another related field; AND Experience in one or more the following areas: 1) Applied research involving advanced data analysis and/or statistical modeling; 2) Communicating research findings through information design and/or data visualization; 3) Developing web-based, interactive tools or applications or similar digital products.
07
Please select all areas in which you have experience and are proficient in.
08
Describe your experience with applied research project(s) that involve advanced data analysis or statistical modeling. In your response, include the questions or goals of the research, the steps you took to validate findings, and how and with whom you shared the outcome or findings. Please describe your role and specify the methods, analysis techniques, programming languages and/or software used to create deliverables over the course of the project(s). If you do not have relevant experience in this area, type "N/A".
09
Describe at least one specific example of how you have advanced racial equity, collaborated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and/or contributed to inclusive practices or outcomes in a professional setting. If you do not have a relevant example, type "N/A".
10
Describe your data visualization/visual analytics "toolkit"-meaning your development/design process, coding language(s) or software(s) used, and anything else you consider in when completing work like this. In your response, use specific example(s) and where those experience(s) took place, as well as your overall assessment of your own toolkit's strengths and limitations. If you do not have relevant experience in this area, type "N/A".
11
Describe what you consider to be your most positive and/or effective experience collaborating with others in a professional setting. In your response, include your specific role and those of the other team members, shared frameworks, methods, or software used (if any), and any other norms or practices that contributed to the success of the collaboration. If you do not have a relevant example, type "N/A".
12
The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:
Required Question
Employer Metropolitan Council
Address 390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website https://metrocouncil.org