Data Scientist - Research Analysis Spec Sr

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: 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 (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

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• 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
  
  

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nick Hannula at [email protected]

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 Susan Vang at [email protected].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at [email protected].

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.