Research Scientist

Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 50% Working Title: Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research (PEPR) Researcher Job Class: Research Scientist 2 Agency: Health Department Job ID: 94511 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 50% Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Date Posted: 07/31/2026 Closing Date: 08/13/2026 Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Division/Unit: Health Systems / Health Policy / Health Economics Program / Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional Re-Posting: Yes 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. Join the Minnesota Department of Health’s Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research (PEPR) team and help shape research and policy related to prescription drug pricing and pharmaceutical markets in Minnesota. PEPR and this position are part of the dynamic Health Economics Program (HEP), which delves into applied policy analysis and conducts objective research to monitor changes in the healthcare marketplace. HEP dissects the factors shaping healthcare cost, quality and access, offering invaluable technical assistance in developing state health care policies. This position serves as an intermediate researcher responsible for conducting applied research on pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, and related health policy issues. The researcher works independently and collaboratively to answer complex policy questions using quantitative and qualitative analysis, economic reasoning, and multiple sources of evidence. The position contributes to legislative reports, policy analyses, dashboards, public-facing publications, and emerging research initiatives. Successful candidates are intellectually curious, collaborative, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and motivated to learn new subject matter while translating complex findings into clear and actionable information for decision makers. The role combines research, data stewardship, and stakeholder engagement in a rapidly evolving policy environment focused on improving transparency and affordability in prescription drug markets. Primary responsibilities include: Conduct independent research and analyses on pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, and related health policy issues using advanced analytical and economic methods. Design, develop, and implement research studies, reports, legislative briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for technical and non-technical audiences. Manage and validate complex prescription drug data sets, ensuring data quality, compliance, integrity, and adherence to data privacy standards. Serve as a subject matter expert and data steward by developing data standards, documentation, workflows, and tools that support consistent and reliable analytics. Collaborate with internal and external partners, including state agencies, researchers, and stakeholders, to support policy development, reporting requirements, and program initiatives related to prescription drug affordability and transparency. 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. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. 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. Minimum Qualifications To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Three (3) years of experience* conducting quantitative research, policy analysis, program evaluation, data analysis, or related analytical work involving the following: Analysis of complex and interconnected datasets. Development of evidence to answer multifaceted policy, program, business, or research questions. Work conducted in an environment requiring consideration of legal, regulatory, operational, or stakeholder constraints - such as government, healthcare, or finance. Demonstrated experience querying relational databases using SQL. A degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Data Science or a related health science field may substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate = 24 months Master's = 18 months Bachelor's = 12 months Associate = 6 months Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process Experience analyzing complex data sets and interpreting findings to support policy, program, or business decisions. Experience managing, validating, or maintaining data sets to ensure data quality, accuracy, integrity, and usability. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical, statistical, or policy concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences through written materials using plain language. Demonstrated ability to independently learn unfamiliar subject matter, synthesize information from multiple sources, and apply that knowledge to answer complex questions. Experience working collaboratively with partners from different professional backgrounds to define research questions, interpret findings, or support decision‑making. Preferred Qualifications Experience investigating emerging policy questions and developing analytical approaches in areas where established methods, precedent, or guidance may be limited. Experience supporting legislative reporting, policy development, or regulatory compliance activities. Experience developing dashboards, data visualizations, or automated reporting tools. Experience conducting health policy, public health, or health economics research. Knowledge of pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, or pharmacoeconomics. Additional Requirements This requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check. 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. 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the support you need. #J-18808-Ljbffr