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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.