Data Scientist - Research Analysis Spec Sr

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Data Scientist to advance the Office of Inspector General’s data capabilities. You will develop data infrastructures, build dashboards, and provide insights to support program integrity and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include analyzing data, creating visualizations, and collaborating with partners to drive data-driven decision making while maintaining governance and privacy standards. Telework eligible up to 50% within Minnesota/state borders.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience performing data analysis and reporting; spatial or statistical analysis or modeling; programming to extract, manipulate, and analyze data; and developing data visualizations.
• Proficiency in SQL for data extraction and transformation.
• Experience creating dashboards and data visualizations (Tableau, Power BI, Looker, Qlik).
• Experience with analytic tools and platforms (Alteryx, R Studio, SAS, Databricks, Anaconda).

Responsibilities

• Implement the OIG’s data strategy to enhance program integrity and accountability.
• Create dashboards, visualizations, reports, and presentations to inform management decisions.
• Respond to internal and external data requests and provide information related to OIG data.
• Provide technical consultation on data analyses, models, payment methodologies, and data governance.

Skills

Data analysis

SQL

Data visualization

Analytic tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Looker

Qlik

Alteryx

R Studio

SAS

Databricks

Anaconda

Job description

Working Title: Data Scientist

Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID : 98024

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes*, up to 50%

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 11/04/26. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.

• Date Posted : 10/29/2026

• Closing Date : 11/10/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : DCYF / DCYF Central Office MAPE

• Division/Unit : DCYF / OIG Analytics & Insights

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.

* Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

*This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies

This position is responsible for advancing the data and analytic capabilities of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to promote program integrity, accountability, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance; support data-driven decision‑making; and enhance overall operational effectiveness. The incumbent will:

• Implement the Office of Inspector General’s data strategy and expand the use of data to empower better decision‑making, program compliance, and program integrity in partnership with OIG business partners.

• Create dashboards, visualizations, reports, and presentations of data analyses to inform management decision‑making and assist in strategic planning.

• Respond to internal and external requests for data and information related to OIG data.

• Provide technical consultation to OIG management and staff in data analyses, analytic model development, payment methodologies, cost analyses, statistical and analytic techniques, research methodologies, survey design and evaluation, performance measurement, statistical analysis methodologies, data governance, and OIG data systems and tools.

Minimum Qualifications

_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._

Three (3) years* of experience performing data analysis and reporting; conducting spatial or statistical analysis or modeling; programming to extract, manipulate, and analyze data; and developing data visualizations to present analytical findings.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Data collection, data analysis, data manipulation, data transformation and interpretation.

• Structured Query Language (SQL).

• Data visualization (Tableau, PowerBI, Looker, Qlik).

• Analytic tools/platforms (Alteryx, R Studio, SAS, Databricks, Anaconda).

*A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics or area of study related to data sciences and data mining, economics, finance or other analytical fields as determined by the agency may substitute for one year of experience. A Master's Degree may substitute for eighteen months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fraud, oversight, licensing, compliance, audit and/or compliance analytics.

• Experience implementing instrument-based program monitoring, key indicator systems, differential monitoring, risk assessments, weighting systems, outcome-based measurements, and fraud detection models in a large complex regulatory system.

• Experience in using one or more of the following applications/data systems: MMIS, MAXIS, MEC2, LIS/ELMS/Salesforce Hub, DEED, case tracking applications, NetStudy 2.0, SSIS.

• Experience in synthesizing and organizing large volumes of complex information and presenting them in a succinct, easily understandable fashion to key stakeholders.

• Proficiency in programming and manipulation of data and statistical analysis of data with software such as SAS, Python or R including multiple regression techniques.

• Experience with data privacy laws and rules such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Reference check

• Criminal Background check

• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

• Driver’s License Check

• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees

• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

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 [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.