Senior Survey Research Scientist

Are you passionate about using research & evidence to inform policy development in Minnesota on health care access and coverage? In this role, you'll be the MDH lead to maintain, evolve and use data from the Minnesota Health Access Survey (MNHA), a research partnership between MDH and the University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Public Health. You will participate in all aspects of survey research for this premier research tool in Minnesota, from instrument development and validation, to sample design, weighting, data analysis & research, and writing to contribute valuable insights for policy makers, the administration and the general public. You'll drive the planning, design, and execution of advanced statistical research studies that inform decisions impacting Minnesota’s health care market and shaping policy development. And you’ll partner with a talented research team at the UMN, community advocates, a survey vendor, and colleagues in MDH and across the administration to effectively use the MNHA and establish the new panel component of the survey. Beyond data, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping public understanding by preparing presentations and sharing your findings within the administration, in public forums, and across stakeholder groups.

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Lead the ongoing refinement and implementation of the Minnesota Health Access Survey (MNHA), a biennial area probability survey on health insurance and health care access in Minnesota.
• Participate in all aspects of survey development and data analysis to estimate the rate of uninsurance in Minnesota, sources of coverage in the states, and disparities in health access.
• Lead research studies to analyze drivers of changes in health access and affordability in Minnesota using econometric analysis, advanced statistical techniques, and complex survey research methodologies.
• Advise other researchers on survey methodologies, research procedures, and statistical techniques to ensure that current and valid techniques are used in conducting studies.
• Monitor, research, and analyze state and federal health related activities and policies.
• Independently develop and produce descriptive information and presentation materials based on research, and present information in legislative hearings, meetings, seminars, and other public forums.

This is a hybrid telework position that requires occasional in-office work in the downtown St. Paul location and travel to in-person meetings, with the opportunity to participate in occasional national research meetings. Telework will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. 

This position has a flexible start and end time within first shift hours (typically 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience* conducting survey research, including data analysis. 
  • Experience must be in a health care, health insurance, or a similar field doing at least three (3) out of four (4) of the following: 
    • Conducting and administering health surveys. 
    • Effectively using data visualization techniques.
    • Successfully managing longitudinal projects. 
    • Synthesizing research findings from surveys into written reports
• Experience using STATA or a comparable statistical analysis package

*A degree in a related field such as Public Health, Health Services Research, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, or Sociology may count towards professional experience as follows:

• Associate's = 6 months.
• Bachelor’s = 12 months.
• Master’s = 18 months.
• PhD = 24 months.

Qualifications to be further assessed in the interview process: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of the methodological issues involved with health surveys derived from complex sample design, including the need to use weighted data sets. 
• Ability to translate technical information into accessible language for a variety of audiences, especially non-technical audiences.
• Experience providing expert guidance on research methodologies to ensure studies followed best practices in survey and statistical analysis.
• Managing project timelines.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using, and advising and training others in the use of advanced research methods, statistical techniques, and research best practices.
• Experience developing and recommending policy options based on research findings. 
• Experience developing new data sources using validated data collection methods to enhance research capabilities. 
• Expert user of STATA, Tableau, or a comparable business intelligence tool. 
• Experience conducting survey research, including data analysis, on health insurance and health care access, especially in partnership with contractors and survey research organizations. 
   

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.