What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS) position at Department of Public Health?
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by protecting the public’s health, promoting health and wellness, and optimizing data and technology.
Under the general supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor (RSS) I, the Research Scientist (RS) II (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) will participate in the development and implementation of public health surveillance related to substance use, overdose, and addiction. The RS II will plan, organize, and carry out scientific research studies of moderate scientific scope and complexity, evaluate and prepare data, develop surveillance and research indicators and tools, conduct ongoing analyses and surveillance, design and maintain data visualizations, and write up reports, manuscripts, data briefs, and fact sheets for dissemination to diverse audiences. The RS II will be responsible for ensuring the scientific quality of all data prepared for administrative and research reporting requirements.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Telework Information
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.
Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)
- RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Shall Consider:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES)
Department Information
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 Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch (SAPB), within the Center for Healthy Communities, aims to reduce individual, social, and environmental harm from addiction and substance use through research-driven prevention, education, and treatment. SAPB houses CDPH's youth cannabis prevention, alcohol, overdose, and problem gambling programs, creating synergy between substance use and addiction prevention efforts. In addition to efforts related to addiction and substance use, SAPB examines a wide range of societal, community, and social influences on individual consumption and the resulting social and behavioral outcomes.
CDPH’s success arises from the differences in who we are, how we think, and what we experience. It is these differences that best form policies, develop resources, and deliver services to serve California's diverse communities.
CDPH continues to build and strengthen a work culture where all employees are inspired to share their talents and ideas, to become part of a team that works to better serve the needs of California’s diverse communities by delivering innovative solutions and quality resources.
We are committed to creating an environment where all employees are included, treated with dignity and respect, and in a position to contribute to protecting the health of all Californians.
“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”
“CDPH is an E-Verify Employer”
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Special Requirements
For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.
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 CalCareers Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. Submitting an electronic application through your CalCareers account is strongly recommended since electronic applications will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. Please submit only one application.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 12/8/2025Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
Please see Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) instructions below at end of posting. Applications received without a written response to the SOQ may be rejected.
Desirable Qualifications
- Excellent communication, both oral and written
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment
- Ability to handle multiple priorities
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team including both scientific and non-scientific staff
- Experience writing reports, developing data visualizations, and conducting presentations for public health audiences
- Proficiency in the use of statistical software (e.g., SAS) to manage and analyze public health-related data
- Experience working with public health-related administrative data
- Experience collecting and managing data
- Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use, overdose, and addiction research
- Knowledge of health equity and social determinants of health research
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
(916) 445-0983
apply@cdph.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Dawn Yaple
(279) 667-1882
dawn.yaple@cdph.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Office
(916) 445-0938
CivilRights@Cdph.CA.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
