Epidemiologist Principal - Climate & Health Epidemiologist

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Climate & Health Epidemiologist Principal for its Health Department in St. Paul. This full-time, limited position focuses on analyzing the health impacts of climate change in Minnesota, including designing studies and reporting findings. The role offers telework options based on business needs. Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in public health epidemiology. The position is temporary, ending March 31, 2026.
Job Details

Working Title: Climate & Health Epidemiologist

Job Class: Epidemiologist Principal

Agency: Health Department
• Job ID: 84174
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/14/2025
• Closing Date: 02/20/2025
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health - Environmental Impacts Analysis Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $39.34 - $58.47 / hourly; $82,141 - $122,085 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• End Date: 03/31/2026
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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

Join our dynamic team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), where your passion for public health can make a tangible impact on the well-being of all Minnesotans. As an Epidemiologist Principal you will provide necessary epidemiological support for the Minnesota Climate & Health Program in the Environmental Health Division. The position leads design, data collection, data cleaning, data analysis, data interpretation, and reporting of climate-related health data and studies to better describe the health impacts of climate change on Minnesotans.

Primary responsibilities include:

Collect, analyze, interpret, and report on disease/illness and exposure data that describe the health impacts of climate change in Minnesota and its disproportionate impacts on specific populations. More specifically, design and implement a study of the health impacts of heat on violence in Minnesota through literature review, data analyses, and summarization of findings; explore and make recommendations for a climate and health dashboard for the state of Minnesota; and in collaboration with other MDH researchers and subject matter experts, develop an MDH research agenda to forward our understanding of the health impacts of climate change on people who reside in Minnesota.

This is a temporary position with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026.

This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of related experience designing and conducting public health epidemiology research, surveillance programs, or related research and/or scientific work.

A related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
• Technical skill, knowledge, and abilities in public health surveillance methods, limitations and challenges of surveillance.
• Ability to design and conduct epidemiologic investigations.
• Interpretation and communication of epidemiological study results.
• Experience researching the health impacts of climate change.

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration on Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Social Sciences or Behavioral Sciences (such as, anthropology, sociology, psychology, educational psychology) or medicine and allied health professions (such as veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing)
• Knowledge of and practical experience in surveillance, epidemiological principles, research design, public health datasets, biostatistics, and database design.
• Experience researching the health impacts of climate change.
• Knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and control of environmentally-related diseases/illnesses (e.g., heat illnesses, respiratory diseases, chronic diseases, mental health).
• Expertise in the use of data management software (e.g., Excel and Access), statistical software (e.g., R, SAS), PowerPoint presentation software, Microsoft Word, bibliographic software, and data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, DataWrapper, StoryMaps).
• GIS coursework or demonstrated experience working with GIS.
• Demonstrated writing and presentation skills

Additional Requirements

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

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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.

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.