Overview
The Center for Health Statistics and Informatics (CHSI) is responsible for department-wide initiatives to improve the effectiveness of our work through better health information systems, increased application of epidemiologic methods of analysis, strong liaisons with public health organizations and schools of public health, and effective partnerships with local health agencies and professionals. CHSI houses the Office of Vital Records, responsible for registering all California vital events and providing birth, death, and marriage records to the public. In addition, CHSI is involved in many cross-cutting and innovative data projects including the statewide Open Data Portal and Health Information Exchange.
The Research and Analytics Branch (RAB), Data Analytics Section (DAS) supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission, “To optimize the health and wellbeing of the people of California.” DAS is integral to this mission by collecting data for birth, death, and fetal death vital events, developing data products related to vital events, and creating annual source data files of these data.
*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 not currently an E-Verify employer.
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by independently developing a variety of complex health data research reports.
The Research Data Specialist I (RDS I) performs assessments which may include established objectives using various state statistical and informational databases and applying appropriate research design and methodologies in the report analysis. Acts as a subject matter expert in data assessment and product development for health related data topics, and participates in projects regarding other health related data reaseach. Utilizes various software applications (ArcGIS, Databricks, Excel, R, Python, SAS, SQL, and Tableau) to perform complex reports, validation, and verification.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
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:
Self-motivated.
Experience with data analysis, management using programming languages (SQL, R, SAS, Databricks or Python), and creating data visualization tools.
Demonstrate willingness to assume analytical duties of high complexity, manage multifaceted short, medium, and long-term analytical projects, and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
Have excellent communication and interactive skills.
Be extremely proficient in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks.
Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner.
Demonstrate ability to offer succinct, value-added recommendations and exercise sound judgment.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment.
Perform both independently and in a cooperative team environment.
Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
Demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines.
Possess outstanding customer service skills.
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=490474
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.
