Working Title: Early Learning Services Research and Evaluation Scientist / Research Scientist 3 Job Class: Research Scientist 3 Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

- Job ID: 96139
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- 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 8/13/2026. 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: 08/07/2026
- Closing Date: 08/21/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
- Division/Unit: Early Childhood/ Early Learning Scholarships
- Work Shift: Day Shift
- Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
- 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.

These positions exists to support the Early Learning Services (ELS) Division with high-quality, accurate, relevant, and timely quantitative analyses and data reporting including the creation of meaningful data displays; support districts to understand and maximize revenue streams specific to early learning in order to build capacity for inclusion and mixed delivery service models; build capacity among local program administrators to use data to extend bandwidth and enhance quality; and support continuous quality improvement efforts of education programs through a research agenda in Early Learning Services, including early learning scholarships, public preschool, early childhood family education, health and developmental screening One position will be the lead data coordinator for the early learning scholarships program, and the other position will be the lead data coordinator for all other early learning programs and will work closely together to provide broad support for all of Early Learning Services.

Responsibilities Include

- Manage, develop, implement, and document research methods, measurement and reporting processes and protocols using all available early learning data sets for use in data-driven decision-making at the state and local levels, and state and federal reporting related to early learning programs as required.
- Conduct research, including any relevant statistical analyses on early learning data sets aligned to initiatives, state and federal reporting requirements, and state and program impact evaluation efforts.
- Develop processes for aligning research-based data-driven decision making (DDDM) resources and supports with policy initiatives in collaboration with early childhood staff at state and local levels.
- Develop strategies, training, and materials to support meaningful use of research at all levels.
- Provide training to local program leadership and support staff from at the regional and local level to coach effective data use where appropriate.



Ensure ELS data needs are reflected and incorporated into DCYF decisions related to the programs.
- Design, develop and implement research models and products that support quality improvement for Early Learning program practice and performance.
- Actively participate in the cooperative planning and implementation of ELS initiatives to assure success for young children with and without disabilities.
- Serve as the Early Learning Services Data Coordinator for the Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System (ECLDS), providing data upload oversight and agency representation to ECLDS governance as well as a bridge between ELS and DCYF and the work of the ECLDS.

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, day and year for each job held.**

Four (4) years of advanced research and data analytic experience in education, public policy or social sciences that demonstrates:
- Experience using programing language/computer coding for database querying, data manipulation, and/or statistical analysis (e.g., including but not limited to SQL, R, SPSS, STATA, SAS, etc.)
- Experience with data analysis, data manipulation, data transformation and interpretation, and modelling
- Report writing and oral presentation of analysis and research results
- Experience with data visualization software (e.g. Tableau, Power BI)

Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or a master’s degree in education, data science, data analytics, social sciences, mathematics and/or public policy.
- Experience with data stored in complex relational-based data warehouse systems, such as SQL.
- Experience with early childhood, and especially early care and education, research or policy.
- Experience with project management including leading projects from beginning to end.
- Experience with training and coaching staff on data use in decision-making.
- Experience with continuous quality improvement or quality assurance work.
- 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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Kate Parkinson, [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 Anny Xiong 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 (phone hidden) 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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

📌 Early Learning Services Research and Evaluation Scientist / Research Scientist 3 (Saint Paul)
🏢 Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
📍 Saint Paul