MEDSS Informatician - Research Scientist 1 or 2

Working Title: MEDSS Informatician - Research Scientist 1 or 2

Job Class: Research Scientist 1 or 2

Agency: Health Department

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.Date Posted: 04/19/2024Closing Date: 04/29/2024Hiring Agency: Health DepartmentDivision/Unit: Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division / IDEPC Cross Cutting Epidemiology, Programs and Partnerships (CCEPP) Minnesota Electronic Disease Surveillance System (MEDSS) Operations StaffWork Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Days of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the timeSalary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annuallyClassified Status: UnclassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPEEnd Date: 07/31/2026FLSA Status: Exempt - ProfessionalTelework Eligible: YesDesignated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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.

The Minnesota Electronic Disease Surveillance System (MEDSS) Operations Unit is looking to add three Research Scientists to their team! The purpose of these positions is to conduct research to examine, devise, and evaluate business processes and procedures to enhance MEDSS operations and data quality for MEDSS users. The positions will also be responsible for researching topics such as interoperability and health information system data, and health information standards such as FHIR, HL7, available software and design solutions for disease surveillance aligned with current IT infrastructure, and other systems and topics and correlating the technical findings, interpreting theories and reports, and reporting to the project team. The incumbents will have frequent contact with Minnesota Information Technology (MN.IT), contracted vendor, Health Informatics Professionals and other IT vendor staff to evaluate modified or new technology and to exchange information, analyze recommendations regarding systems or solve problems.

Primary Job Duties

Implementing and supporting health informatics projects for MEDSS.Design, document, and help support development of application enhancements and changes to improve MEDSS operations.Provide advanced research support for electronic lab reporting (ELR) to the statewide disease surveillance system, MEDSS for infectious disease areas.Create end user testing procedures for ELR data and help define and document the business workflow process of ELR data in MEDSS.Develop and deliver training and written guidance to meet the needs of MEDSS users and assist with overall MEDSS operations.Establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external customers. Creating end user procedures for MEDSS and helping define and documenting the business workflow process within MEDSS.

This position is eligible for telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls.

Occasional travel to in-person meetings is expected. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.

This vacancy is being announced at two different job classification levels: Research Scientist 1 and Research Scientist 2. There are up to three (3) vacancies being filled and the final job classification for each position will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

These three (3) positions are temporary and may be extended or ended at any time based on business needs. The current anticipated end date is July 31, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant’s resume/application to be considered for the position.

Research Scientist 1

One (1) year of experience in informatics, with database management, statistical analysis and/or systems programming that demonstrates the following:

Data management and transmission, data quality assurance and cleaning.Use of data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or R.Use of data visualization tools such as Excel or Tableau.Querying databased with SQL.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at time of interview

Ability to identify and synthesize relevant information and make recommendations.Human relation and communication skills sufficient to achieve effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, policymakers, educators, health care providers, and the general public.Ability to work independently and to manage time, workload, and priorities without day-to-day supervision of activities.Research skills with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and analysis.Ability to use appropriate methodology to answer complex research questions.Knowledge of public health, health equity, health care workforce and/or general workforce issues.

Research Scientist 2

Three (3) years of experience in informatics, with database management, statistical analysis and/or systems programming that demonstrates the following:

Data management and transmission, data quality assurance and cleaning.Use of data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or R.Use of data visualization tools such as Excel or Tableau.Querying databased with SQL.

Degree Equivalencies

A bachelor's degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science, or related area may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A master's degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science, or related area may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. A doctorate degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science, or related area may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at time of interview

Ability to identify and synthesize relevant information and make recommendations.Human relation and communication skills sufficient to achieve effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, policymakers, educators, health care providers, and the general public.Ability to work independently and to manage time, workload, and priorities without day-to-day supervision of activities.Research skills with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and analysis.Ability to use appropriate methodology to answer complex research questions.Knowledge of public health, health equity, health care workforce and/or general workforce issues.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with public health information systems, especially disease surveillance systems and/or public health and/or health case data messaging.Knowledge of and experience using health information standards such as FHIR and HL7.Ability to quickly analyze problems, determine appropriate level of intervention, and develop and apply effective solutions.Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate productively, work in a team environment, and to train and support clinical informatics users at all professional and technical levels.Project management experience on large, complex public health information system.Experience working with IT technical staff to support large applications.Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check and employment reference check.

This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does require travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.

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 Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.

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 health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

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.

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 12 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) 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.