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Junior Research Scientist

Minnesota Management & Budget
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Working Title: Junior Research Scientist
Job Class: Research Scientist 1
Agency: Minnesota Management & Budget

  • Job ID: 94112
  • 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: 05/08/2026
  • Closing Date: 05/21/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Management & Budget
  • Division/Unit: Budget and Results Division / Impact Evaluation Unit
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $26.43 - $38.55 / hourly; $55,185 - $80,492 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees)
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • 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.

The Results Management team at Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) conducts analysis and research that helps state and local partners make informed policy decisions to improve outcomes for people in Minnesota. Through a variety of approaches and methods, we conduct analysis that sparks insights and coordination among government agencies. We use a data-informed process to focus enterprise-wide efforts on results, foster collaboration, and ignite action to improve outcomes for people in Minnesota.

The Impact Evaluation Unit, as part of the Results Management team, is seeking a Junior Research Scientist to help conduct quantitative analysis and evaluations of state-funded programs to understand the efficacy of these programs for Minnesotans. This individual will work with a diverse research team on a variety of projects aimed at helping state agencies better understand the programs they support and implement.

Job duties for this position include:

  • Conducting data analysis and evaluation tasks in support of research projects, including cleaning and preparing datasets, running queries, and performing quantitative analyses
  • Preparing data for, and creating, visualizations that clearly and accurately represent analysis results for a variety of audiences
  • Conducting reviews of the current literature to help inform research studies using a variety of methods and analytical tools
  • Actively work on complex coding and causal identification methods under the guidance of senior staff
  • Contributing to publication of findings in reports, briefs, and other products using statistical software, data visualization software, web content management software, and other tools
  • Contributing to research partnerships with other organizations, state agencies, or local governments by formulating project goals and data needs, facilitating access to data, and providing expertise on analytic techniques and results
  • Communicating findings in a manner that facilitates trust, understanding, and use

This job offers the opportunity to work on diverse and engaging research projects that provide information that directly impacts the lives of Minnesotans across the state. MMB also offers job-related opportunities for continuing education or career development, and this position offers the opportunity for job progression as a research scientist for the state of Minnesota.

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service 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. Candidates must clearly demonstrate all the following qualifications on their resume. Resume tips are available here.

  • Two (2) years of experience performing quantitative research and/or data analysis in a scientific, academic, or applied research setting

Experience must include:

  • Knowledge of basic research methods, survey design principles, and data collection techniques
  • Ability to analyze data using descriptive statistics and identify and clearly communicate trends or patterns
  • Technical skills to use analytical software, such as R, Python, SQL, or comparable programming languages sufficient to support data preparation and analysis and maintain and manipulate data
  • Writing and communication skills sufficient to prepare reports and describe complex quantitative information to a variety of audiences
  • Interpersonal and collaboration skills sufficient to work as part of a team to execute research projects and make informed recommendations
  • Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

A bachelor’s degree in social science, data science, or statistics may substitute for one (1) year of experience and a master’s degree in a similar field may substitute for eighteen months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

MMB values diverse perspectives and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the preferred qualifications. Your unique skills and background might be just what we need!

  • Experience querying and manipulating data in relational databases with SQL
  • Demonstrated completion of data analysis using statistical techniques
  • Demonstrated experience writing code for data analysis and data visualization in R, Python, or related programming languages
  • Familiarity with Minnesota state government processes and programs
  • Professional certificate or degree in computer science, data science, economics, statistics, or social sciences 
  • A master’s degree in economics, statistics, social science, or data science
  • Experience conducting scientific studies of public programs or program effectiveness

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of Minnesota Management and Budget that a successful candidate must pass all required checks prior to employment which may consist of the below checks:

  • SEMA4 records check (applies to current and past state employees only)
  • Criminal history check
  • Reference check
  • Social Security and address verification
  • Education verification
  • Conflict of interest review
  • Other legally or internal policy required checks

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices. 

Minnesota Management & Budget does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota Management & Budget will not sponsor applicant work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

How to Apply 

Search for job ID 94112 on the MN Careers website, then select “Apply for Job” at the top of the 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.

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 Jake Pleschourt at jake.pleschourt@state.mn.us.

MMB may choose to non-competitively interview certain disabled veterans (CDVs). To receive consideration as a CDV under M.S. 43A.111, you must:

  1. Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%
  2. Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability
  3. Meet all minimum qualifications identified in this posting
  4. Submit all documentation by the closing date to Jake Pleschourt at jake.pleschourt@state.mn.us. 

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jake Pleschourt at jake.pleschourt@state.mn.us or 651-201-2567.

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