Overview
About this Role
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and, adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.
Competencies The competencies required for this position are found on the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resource’s Job Descriptions webpage.
Job Summary This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by being responsible for the supervision of Research Scientists and other lower-level staff. The Research Scientist Supervisor (RSS) I, acting as the COVID, Respiratory, Research, Development and Sequencing (CoRRDS) Unit Supervisor, is responsible for overseeing and providing technical leadership CoRRDS Unit within the Respiratory and Gastroenteric Diseases Section (RGDS). Core duties include delivering daily administrative direction and guidance to subordinate staff, along with planning, organizing, and managing activities associated with scientific research studies or public health investigations of substantial scope and complexity. The RSS I is required to exercise independent judgment and act as a consultant to junior scientists working on respiratory and gastroenteric diseases. Administrative responsibilities encompass budget management, program planning for research projects and investigations, recruitment, training, and supervision of research personnel and support staff. Additionally, the RSS I will lead highly specialized aspects of significant scientific projects or investigations, collaborating with professionals from State, local, or Federal agencies, and will be expected to publish or present research findings to public health professionals and the wider community.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor II of the Respiratory & Gastroenteric Diseases Section (RGDS) within the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) Branch.
Key Responsibilities
35% Provide supervision to Research Scientists and other staff within the RGDS, CoRRDS Unit. Responsible for daily laboratory tasks supporting research and surveillance projects, primarily utilizing advanced molecular detection and Whole Genome Sequencing/ Next-Generation Sequencing (WGS/NGS) methods for viral respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens. Offer administrative guidance, oversee planning and organization of major scientific research and public health laboratory investigations, and manage budgets to maintain necessary laboratory supplies. Additionally, recruit and train laboratory personnel to ensure adequate staffing for project completion. Exercise independent judgment and serve as a subject matter expert consultant to colleagues within the Section and the VRDL.
30% Develop and adapt laboratory methods, techniques, and procedures to facilitate complex research studies advancing public health diagnosis and surveillance of respiratory and gastroenteric diseases, with a focus on molecular methodologies such as qPCR and WGS/NGS. Act as a consultant to lower-level scientists, microbiologists, and laboratory staff, providing technical leadership, specialized expertise, training, and guidance in research design and implementation for microorganism detection and characterization.
15% Lead highly specialized phases of significant scientific projects or investigations in collaboration with professional staff from State, local, or Federal agencies as required.
10% Author reports and manuscripts, share scientific research findings with public health professionals and the community, and review current literature. Participate in conferences to remain updated on technological and diagnostic advances in microbiology, particularly virology and related molecular biology.
5% Facilitate, elucidate, and coordinate scientific research concerning respiratory and gastroenteric diseases relevant to public health. Interpret critical research findings for application by public health experts and the broader community and offer advisory support to local public health departments and other professionals to disseminate new findings and innovative methodologies arising from research studies.
5% Other job-related duties as required
Qualifications
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
Competencies: The competencies required for this position are found on the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resource’s Job Descriptions webpage.
Special Requirements
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance
Medical Clearance
Travel:
Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in
License/Certification:
Other:
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
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.
Diversity Statement
At 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.
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