Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research (PEPR) Researcher Research Scientist 2

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* Working Title:

Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research (PEPR) Researcher*
* ** Job Class:
Research Scientist 2*
* ** Agency:
Health Department*
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** Job ** : 94511

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** Location** :
St. Paul

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** Telework Eligible** :
Yes / Hybrid 50%

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** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Unlimited

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** Who May Apply** :
This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously.

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** Date Posted** : 07/31/2026

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** Closing Date** : 08/13/2026

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** Hiring Agency** :
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

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** Division/Unit** :
Health Systems / Health Policy / Health Economics Program / Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research

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** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Day Shift / 8:00 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m.

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** Days of Work** :
Monday - Friday

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** Travel Required** :
No

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** Salary Range:**  $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

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** Classified Status** :
Classified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

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** FLSA Status** :
Exempt - Professional

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** Re-Posting** :
Yes

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
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.

Join the Minnesota Department of Health's Pharmaceutical Economics Policy & Research (PEPR) team and help shape research and policy related to prescription drug pricing and pharmaceutical markets in Minnesota. PEPR and this position are part of the dynamic Health Economics Program (HEP), which delves into applied policy analysis and conducts objective research to monitor changes in the healthcare marketplace. HEP dissects the factors shaping healthcare cost, quality and access, offering invaluable technical assistance in developing state health care policies.

This position serves as an intermediate researcher responsible for conducting applied research on pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, and related health policy issues. The researcher works independently and collaboratively to answer complex policy questions using quantitative and qualitative analysis, economic reasoning, and multiple sources of evidence.

The position contributes to legislative reports, policy analyses, dashboards, public-facing publications, and emerging research initiatives. Successful candidates are intellectually curious, collaborative, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and motivated to learn new subject matter while translating complex findings into clear and actionable information for decision makers.

The role combines research, data stewardship, and stakeholder engagement in a rapidly evolving policy environment focused on improving transparency and affordability in prescription drug markets.

Primary responsibilities include:

+ Conduct independent research and analyses on pharmaceutical markets, prescription drug pricing, and related health policy issues using advanced analytical and economic methods.

+ Design, develop, and implement research studies, reports, legislative briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for technical and non-technical audiences.

+ Manage and validate complex prescription drug data sets, ensuring data quality, compliance, integrity, and adherence to data privacy standards.

+ Serve as a subject matter expert and data steward by developing data standards, documentation, workflows, and tools that support consistent and reliable analytics.

+ Collaborate with internal and external partners, including state agencies, researchers, and stakeholders, to support policy development, reporting requirements, and program initiatives related to prescription drug affordability and transparency.

_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._

** Minimum Qualifications*
* _To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly…