RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Sacramento County, CA, USA
USD 6,942-9,799 / month
Job Posting: Chronic Disease Surveillance Epidemiologist
Department of Public Health
RESEARCH SCIENTIST
$6,942.00 - $9,799.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 9/29/2026
Job Description and Duties
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSS I), Unit Supervisor of the Surveillance and Data Use Unit, Surveillance and Research Section, Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research Branch (CDSRB). The Research Scientist (RS) organizes and carries out surveillance and epidemiologic research studies of limited scientific scope and complexity and supports the implementation of the cancer surveillance plan for California’s statewide population-based surveillance systems and the evaluation of their effectiveness. The RS produces routine annual incidence and mortality reports and other special topic surveillance reports of limited scientific scope and complexity, performs linkages, assists in the coordination of statewide responses to cancer concerns, and responds to requests for data. In addition, the RS collaborates with Center for Healthy Communities (CHC) and CDPH programs on projects related to health equity framework.
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https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment
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 Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.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.Additional Documents
Position Details
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.
This position is in the Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research Branch (CDSRB) under the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). CDSRB is committed to supporting the CDPH mission and strategic plan of serving the public by collecting, managing, and sharing statewide data about chronic diseases and risk factors, conducting surveillance and research to monitor and report incidence, prevalence, disparities, and factors contributing to chronic diseases to improve the health of Californians. CDSRB coordinates these activities by directing, managing, and monitoring the state-mandated Ken Maddy California Cancer Registry (CCR), California's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (CCCP), the Richard Paul Hemann California Parkinson's Disease Registry (CPDR), the California Neurodegenerative Disease Registry (CNDR), and the California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (CA BRFSS) . In addition to its surveillance and research activities, CDSRB also engages in extensive public health initiatives and educational programs aimed at promoting awareness and prevention of chronic diseases. By collaborating with various partners and leveraging advanced data analytics, CDSRB strives to identify emerging health trends to provide information and guidance toward evidence-based interventions. These efforts ensure a comprehensive approach to chronic disease prevention and management across the state.
“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 currently an E-Verify employer. ”
Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts official or un-official and/or Degree for education verification
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.
A completed State application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control # (531272) and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.
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.
If you are unable to submit your application electronically through your CalCareers account, please email apply@cdph.ca.gov for assistance and a CDPH Human Resources Division staff member will contact you to assist with the online application process or, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method as explained in the How to Apply section below. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
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: 9/29/2026Who 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
Experience in epidemiological methods and biostatistics
• Fluency in SAS statistical software
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team setting
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.
Human Resources Division
(916) 445-0983
apply@cdph.ca.gov
Autumn Davis
(279) 667-2393
autumn.davis@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
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
To be considered for this position, interested candidates shall submit responses to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) as a part of the application package. Responses shall be no longer than two pages, single spaced in 12-point font. Resumes, letters, transcripts, degrees, state application, cover letters and other material will not take the place of the SOQ. Applications received without a SOQ may be rejected.
1. Describe how your academic background and professional scientific experience meet the minimum qualifications for the Research Scientist classification. In your response, identify your degree(s), relevant scientific specialty and how they align with the scientific principles required for this classification.
2. Please describe your role in planning, organizing, and carrying out scientific research studies. Describe how you serve as a team member on projects and investigations within your program and/or act as a technical scientific consultant on a specific phase of a scientific research study.
3. Please provide proof of a degree and/or transcripts to verify completion in the stated scientific specialties or a closely related specialty.
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.

