PEPR Senior Researcher - Research Scientist 3

Working Title: PEPR Senior Researcher - Research Scientist 3

Job Class: Research Scientist 3

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 98294
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers and bidder simultaneously.
• Date Posted: 11/10/2026
• Closing Date: 11/23/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Health Systems / Health Policy / Health Economics Program / Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research (PEPR)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• 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 is part of the dynamic Health Economics Program (HEP), which conducts applied research and policy analysis to inform state health policy and improve prescription drug affordability, transparency, and access for Minnesotans.

This position serves as the senior researcher for PEPR and leads the development and execution of the program's research agenda. The position works across research, policy, and program implementation to answer complex questions related to prescription drug affordability, transparency, and pharmaceutical markets. The position combines advanced analytic skills with sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for policymakers, the general public, and other stakeholders.

The position operates in a dynamic, cross-functional environment where research, policy, operations, and stakeholder engagement intersect. Success requires balancing rigorous analysis with practical problem-solving while contributing to both immediate program needs and longer-term policy and research priorities.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Lead the development and execution of PEPR's research agenda and provide technical leadership on research design, methodology, and analytic approaches.
• Conduct complex research and analysis on pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, and related health policy issues using advanced quantitative, economic, and policy analysis methods.
• Translate research findings into reports, dashboards, issue briefs, legislative materials, presentations, and other products for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Monitor emerging research, policy, and industry developments related to prescription drug affordability, transparency, and pharmaceutical markets, and provide recommendations to support program priorities.
• Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, agency partners, contractors, and other stakeholders to support policy development, program implementation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Help guide the stewardship, quality, and effective use of PEPR data resources and research infrastructure.
  
  

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.

Four (4) Years Of Experience* Conducting Applied Quantitative Research, Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Data Analysis, Or Related Analytical Work Involving All Of The Following

• Analysis of complex and interconnected datasets;
• Using data and evidence to answer policy, program, operational, or business 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.
• Experience leading or influencing the direction of complex analytical or research projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and/or evolving objectives.
• 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—such as research, policy, operations, IT, legal, or other program staff—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 policy development, legislative decision-making, or regulatory implementation.
• Experience developing research agendas, identifying emerging policy questions, or establishing analytical priorities.
• Experience leading research agendas, mentoring researchers, or serving as a technical lead.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, or pharmacoeconomics.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• This position 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, includingF-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participationin E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
  
  

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Danielle Whitney at [email protected] or 651-201-3701.

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 Danielle Whitney at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.