Senior Research Advisor | RESEARCH SCIENTIST SENIOR

The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, touch the lives of everyone who calls California home, and the millions who visit here each year.

The essential functions of the Department are critical to the health and wellbeing of people and communities. CDPH's fundamental responsibilities are comprehensive in scope and include infectious disease control and prevention, food safety, environmental health, laboratory services, patient safety, emergency preparedness, chronic disease prevention and health promotion, family health, health equity and vital records and statistics.

The Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) is based on the Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people. The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success. And we have FREE parking!

*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.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

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 by providing evaluations and scientific recommendations as a scientific expert.

The Research Scientist Senior will serve as a Senior Research Advisor. Plans, directs, and executes major innovative and investigative, special research projects on behalf of the Division Environmental Health Laboratories (DEHL). Responsible for conducting large scope, complex and sensitive scientific research work as assigned by the Division Chief. Conceive, plan and conduct research on new and unexplored research matter. Provides consultation to DEHL departmental management, Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) leadership and others as requested; make presentations to State public health experts and the community on the scientific research conducted and also publish this research in scientific journals.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST SENIOR

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:

Chemical or Microbiological Sciences

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, microbiology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines).
• Additional certifications or training in quality management systems for laboratory accreditation highly desired (e.g., CLIA and ISO/IEC 17025, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), or Six Sigma).
• Several years of hands-on laboratory research experience, with a proven track record of scientific publications and contributions to the field.
• Demonstrated experience in Maintenance, Calibration and Measuring laboratory equipment.
• Experience with regulatory standards and compliance, including FDA, EPA, OSHA, and other relevant agencies.
• In-depth knowledge of scientific principles, laboratory techniques, and testing procedures.
• Proficiency in quality assurance methodologies, process improvement, and quality control.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and standards applicable to laboratory operations.
• Excellent project management skills to oversee multiple laboratory programs and initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with stakeholders, authors, and regulatory bodies, and to report findings and resolutions.
• Attention to detail for reviewing records, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
• Proficiency in drafting and reviewing technical documents, including SOPs, quality manuals, and regulatory reports.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement and collaboration across laboratory programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing regulations, technologies, and scientific advancements.
• Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in all research and quality assurance activities.
• Membership in professional organizations (e.g., American Society for Quality (ASQ), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)).
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes.

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=511045

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 California Department of Public Health

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.The Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on HR matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services.

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