Job Description
Job Details Working Title: MCRS Epidemiologist Principal - Epidemiologist Principal Job Class: Epidemiologist Principal Agency: Health Department - Job ID : 93302
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes / Hybrid
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Interest bidders will be accepted through 04/17/2026.
- Date Posted : 04/11/2026
- Closing Date : 05/01/2026
- Hiring Agency : Health Department
- Division/Unit : Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division/ Minnesota Cancer Reporting System Data Analysis Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
- Salary Range: $39.93 - $59.35 / hourly; $83,373 - $123,922 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
- 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.
Job Summary The Minnesota Cancer Reporting System Epidemiologist exists to provide leadership and essential cancer subject matter expertise and experience to the Minnesota Cancer Reporting System (MCRS) Data Analysis Unit (DAU) and their cancer program partners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, design, conduct, and oversee epidemiologic and other investigations of cancer using MCRS and other data sources to characterize the health impacts of cancer, inform priorities, develop programs, support academic and other research efforts, and evaluate cancer prevention and control efforts in Minnesota.
- Engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and provide leadership in facilitating local, state, and national use of MCRS data in cancer prevention and control efforts.
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing the results of analyses to diverse professional and lay audiences in routine and sensitive situations drawing on knowledge of cancer, epidemiology, applied statistics, public health, and effective communication principles including risk communication
- Collaborate with the MCRS Director and MCRS Deputy Director of Operations in overall planning and technical/administrative problem solving.
- Participate in the MCRS strategic planning to document processes, identify areas for improvement and increased efficiency of operations.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework , this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.
MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.
This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Five (5) years of experience designing and conducting public health epidemiology research, surveillance programs, and related research and/or scientific work related to cancer incidence and mortality. Experience must include the following:
- Experience using statistical methods, programs, analysis and modeling, and database management using SAS, R, SQL, and spreadsheet programs such as Advanced Excel.
- Experience creating data visualizations for diverse audiences using software such as Microsoft BI or Microsoft Excel.
- Experience working in a population-based surveillance and epidemiologic studies.
- Experience leading teams and projects for epidemiologic and similar analyses and reporting.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, create technical documents, write grants, prepare and deliver presentations and trainings, and collaborating on projects.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with a variety of people working in government, academia, health, public health, public policy, business, industry, and the media, especially highly trained epidemiologists and research scientists.
- Knowledge of epidemiologic principles that include study design required to conduct rigorous investigations; supervise, plan, design, implement, evaluate, and draw inferences on the distribution and determinants of cancer incidence and mortality.
Degree Equivalencies: A related Doctorate degree may count towards two (2) years of experience; a related Master's degree may count towards eighteen (18) months of experience; a related Bachelor's degree may count towards one (1) year of experience; a related Associate's degree may count towards six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications - Doctoral degree in epidemiology or statistics, or doctoral degree in medical discipline (e.g., physician, veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing) with substantial training and experience in epidemiology theories, principles, and practices.
- Specific knowledge of cancer biology and cancer registration.
- Statistics training and experience required to appropriately analyze and interpret data from population-based cancer surveillance systems and epidemiologic investigations of cancer.
- Experience with geographic information system (GIS) analyses.
- At least two years of experience working in a statewide cancer registry.
- Risk communication experience for working with the public and media in addressing community health concerns.
- Experience in developing population-based registry policies and management recommendations.
Additional Requirements - This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
- This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
- Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.
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 .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036 .
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 Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us .
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us .
About Health Department Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.
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
- 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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, H1b, Live in, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Relocation, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift