Overview
The Office of Data Strategy (ODS), led by the CDPH Chief Data Officer (CDO), coordinates with Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) to set the strategic direction for public health data and information for all CDPH. This coordination supports department initiatives, aligns with priorities and strategies, and provides leadership and guidance in public health data strategy to the 220+ programs at CDPH. ODS oversees, develops, implements, and sustains actionable plans for establishing a next-generation public health data and information infrastructure that supports Data as a Service and Analytics as a Service function; these functions help bridge the many data silos across CDPH programs. ODS serves as a department-wide advisor on public health data governance, addressing department and stakeholder data needs, and provides overall technical direction on statewide public health data strategy and governance efforts. ODS supports the data governance groups that include the Data Governance Council (DGC) and the Data Stewards Committee (DSC).
*The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.
*The CDPH is an E-Verify employer.
Incumbents in one of these classifications, where a Master’s Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 2% of their monthly base pay. Those where a Doctoral Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 3% of their monthly base pay. Individuals with both a Master’s and Doctoral Degree will be given the best benefit in relation to salary shall only be eligible for only one amount.
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities by maintaining a proactive culture of continuous quality improvement, engaging staff at all levels, and leveraging data and technology to enhance services.
The Research Scientist I (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) (RS I) will coordinate the evaluation, curation, and extraction of data for transformation, and loading (ETL-Extract, Transform, Load) efforts and identify or develop models and analytics services to ensure optimal use of public health data for CDPH programs and Centers. Plans and organizes research studies of a scientific scope and complexity, makes independent complex decisions in the vital statistics field, and develops and adapts methods, techniques, and procedures to carry out assignments. The incumbent will act as a subject matter expert for data strategy at CDPH, working with external government and community stakeholders. The RS I is responsible for designing and conducting scientific research to evaluate, protect, and improve public health through specialized reporting of scientific projects and investigation. The RS I coordination of public data dissemination and education using the application of scientific methods of study, investigation, analysis, and interpreting results to achieve protection of public health. Up to 5% travel may be required, including overnight stays.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
RESEARCH SCIENTIST I (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Education or training in public health, epidemiology, data science, statistics, informatics, health services research, or a related field.
Knowledge of research methods, data collection practices, and basic statistical or analytic concepts.
Familiarity with population-based data and public health indicators, particularly related to California populations.
Experience gathering, coordinating, or managing data from multiple sources to support research, analytics, or program decision-making.
Ability to assess data relevance, completeness, and quality for analytic or reporting purposes.
Experience supporting data integration into reports, dashboards, or analytic products used for operational or leadership decision-making.
Ability to translate program or business needs into clear data or analytic requirements.
Familiarity with decision intelligence, performance monitoring, or data-informed program evaluation.
Experience supporting enterprise or program-level data management activities.
Familiarity with data governance concepts, including data standards, data quality, metadata, and documentation.
Ability to provide guidance to stakeholders on data standards, quality expectations, and technical requirements.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain data-related concepts to non-technical audiences.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including program staff, analysts, researchers, IT, or leadership.
Ability to manage multiple requests, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with data analysis, reporting, or visualization tools (e.g., SQL, SAS, R, Python, Tableau, Power BI, or similar).
Familiarity with enterprise data platforms, data warehouses, or cloud-based data environments.
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=504421
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
About The California Department of Public Health
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
