ublic Health Data Governance Advisor | RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF

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).

Free Parking in Natomas!

*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 planning, organizing, and directing scientific research and projects of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity to support CDPH data governance and strategy.

The Research Scientist Staff makes independent complex decisions regarding public health data governance, and develops and adapts methods, techniques, and procedures to carry out assignments. The incumbent will act as the public health data governance advisor for the Office of Data Strategy (ODS) in partnership with CDPH conducting rigorous scientific research and projects to evaluate, protect, and improve public health through specialized reporting of scientific data and investigation for such uses as population estimation, study of health and social problems, and planning and evaluating health/social programs. The incumbent supports ODS by providing highly technical subject matter expertise and leading projects regarding CDPH data governance and strategy and public health datasets, utilizing evidence-based best practices for scientific study, investigation, analysis, and interpreting results to achieve maximum protection of public health. Up to 5% in- or out-of-state travel may be required, including overnight stays.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF

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:

• Experience serving as a data governance or data strategy advisor in a public health or government setting.
• Hands-on experience with data lake architectures and modern analytics platforms (e.g., Databricks).
• Proficiency in Python/R for data engineering, analytics, and automation.
• Experience designing, developing, and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Familiarity with SQL and working across large, complex, multi-source datasets.
• Knowledge of data quality, metadata management, data standards, and data stewardship practices.
• Experience supporting secure data sharing, access controls, and privacy-aware analytics.
• Ability to translate governance and policy requirements into technical implementation.
• Strong collaboration skills, including working with epidemiologists, IT, and program partners.
• Experience documenting data processes, technical workflows, and governance guidance.

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=506757

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.

Connections working at California Department of Public Health