Health Equity Research Scientist - Research Scientist 3

Working Title: Health Equity Research Scientist - Research Scientist 3
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department

This position was previously announced on 10/13/2023. If you already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/31/2024
• Closing Date: 02/06/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Health Equity Bureau
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.13 - $52.25 / hourly; $73,351 - $109,098 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Telework Eligible: Yes, open to applicants residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota. There will be an expectation to work onsite as needed for meetings or projects.
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Join the Minnesota Department of Health to lead health equity program performance , assessment, and evaluation of activities relevant to the works of health equity bureau offices and divisions.

Working as a Health Equity Research Scientist within our Performance and Research Section, you will:

• Provide research, statistical and evaluation expertise for evaluation activities relevant to health equity works and other health equity initiatives.
• Demonstrate expertise in scientific research, methodology, and analysis on both qualitative and quantitative data for the planning, designing, implement, analysis, interpretation and reporting of health equity processes, programs, and grant initiatives within the Bureau.
• Develop and scope out pertinent health equity-related research and evaluation objectives/issues; collect, compile, and conduct complex and highly technical research using data analysis and statistical tools; integrate qualitative approaches; ensure quality assurance of data; design and develop new instruments tools to support MDH’s health equity efforts; and draft findings/recommendations in the form of publications/oral presentations for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with other scientists, evaluation experts, and epidemiologists throughout MDH to coordinate data, research, and evaluation projects.
• Lead in preparation of research reports for publication and sharing the results with key stakeholders and the public.

This position is open to telework for applicants residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota. There will be an expectation to work onsite as needed for meetings or projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of professional experience in health equity-related research design and methodology. Resumes must clearly indicate design and methodology experience which must include the following:

• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative health equity research methods, including and not limited to, social epidemiology, predicative analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), survey design; and administering surveys and focus groups.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to create clear and concise visualizations such as tables, graphs, and maps.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public health and social determinants of health and/or the intersectionality in population health with the ability to develop quantitative/qualitative research methods that measure health inequities.
• Organization of data and database management with a comprehension of data infrastructure and policies or procedures related to data retention.
• Familiarity with conducting qualitative analyses and using qualitative software.
• Demonstrated ability to write reports, research findings, articles, and grant-related outcomes in a clear, concise, and understandable form.
• Experience working with public and private partners in the development of health equity grants, projects, or policies.

A degree in public health, sociology, race or gender studies, public health informatics, epidemiology, or related field may count towards professional experience as follows:

Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in public health, sociology, race or gender studies, public health informatics, epidemiology.
• Minnesota Department of Health and federal laws and rules for data collection, data sovereignty related to tribal nations, understanding of equitable and inclusive data, and conduct of public health programs.
• Working knowledge of statutory rules for data collection and use.
• Experience using research-related software such as ArcGIS, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams), Microsoft Tableau, Atlas TI, NVivo, SPSS, STATA, and R.

Additional Requirements

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

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line 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 have questions about the position, contact at Katie.Crowley@state.mn.us or 651-201-5984.

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 Katie Crowley at Katie.Crowley@state.mn.us.

About MDH

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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.