Social Science Research Associate Jobs in Minnesota

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.
Job Details
Working Title: EDQ Data Team Lead
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 96341
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/14/2026
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Health Care Administration / Research and Quality
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Job Class Option: Health Policy Analyst
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
Job Summary
This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
This position serves as team lead for the HCA interdivisional data team, providing expert direction, technical guidance, and training/mentoring to analytical staff on divisional and interdivisional data analysis projects related to performance measurement, diagnostic-based risk adjustment, and utilization analysis necessary for management of health care programs.
Responsibilities include:

• Directs analytical efforts in support of agency program integrity efforts related to Medicaid, including identifying data anomalies, utilization patterns, or payment discrepancies that may indicate fraud, waste, or abuse, and applying analytical expertise to inform program integrity reviews and corrective actions.
• Leads the data-related efforts underlying Managed Care organization compliance, including directing the analysis, validation, and reporting of encounter data used to monitor and ensure Managed Care organizations' adherence to state and federal contractual, regulatory, and reporting requirements.
• Leads the analysis of health care data to estimate the need for health care services, evaluate and improve payment methodologies, estimate the impact of changes in delivery and payment systems, and measure health care outcomes. This includes planning and designing research studies, developing methods and procedures for data analysis projects, and developing and managing the databases required to carry out these studies.
• Interprets data and study results to inform management on potential policy and program changes and executes highly technical analyses to support management decisions and strategic planning for program outcomes and cost containment.
• Provides technical direction and consultation to management and staff on the above activities and represents the department on planning teams responsible for the collection and dissemination of related information.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of advanced professional research experience in health or social sciences that demonstrates:

• Statistical analysis software such as SAS and/or SQL
• Data analysis, data qualification, data transformation and interpretation, and modelling, including multiple regression techniques
• Project management, report writing and oral presentation of analysis and research results
• Computer skills sufficient to construct tables and graphs displaying data/results to facilitate data analysis or to visually report data using statistical analyses, database reports and presentation software
• Demonstrated familiarity with health care data such as medical claims, public health data, electronic medical records, disease registries, or vital statistics data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or doctoral degree in health science, social science, or related discipline
• Experience with:
  • Health services research methods or health care policy
  • Large data systems stored in complex SQL based data tables in networked warehouse systems
  • Health care HIPAA claims data interchange standards, such as ANSI X12 EDI
• Knowledge of Minnesota public health care programs, including coverage policy and purchasing strategies
• Experience in leading staff and teams, training and coaching staff, engaging in process improvement work, performing project management, and managing relationships with customers
• Ability to work effectively with staff at all levels within and outside of the organization, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
Application Details
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 careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Megan at megan.dorr@state.mn.us
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 Kelly Ellich at kelly.ellich@state.mn.us .
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services' ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.
About Human Services Dept
WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.
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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.