Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Research Scientist Staff (RSS) will plan, organize, and direct scientific research and evaluation studies of highly developed scientific scope and complexity to inform public health decisions. The RSS will serve as a scientific advisor and subject matter expert and provide scientific recommendations to other scientists and program staff, specifically around nutrition science and ultra processed foods. The RSS will direct systematic reviews, landscape analyses, and track trends, working with research contractors. The RSS will conduct and support major scientific projects that require coordination with professional staff from other state, local, or federal agencies, academia, or international collaborators; conduct and present scientific research or investigations to the public and scientific community; use scientific findings to assist in the development of public policies; and help develop and maintain reliable data systems.

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You will find additional information about the job in the .

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 Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.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.

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 #(513397)  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 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.

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 designing and conducting research studies and program evaluation using rigorous research methods
• Knowledge of systematic review and evidence synthesis methods
• Knowledge of landscape analysis methods to assess policies, practices, and emerging trends
• Demonstrated ability to translate and communicate complex data findings into actionable insights
• Experience developing and maintaining complex data systems
• Experience managing and analyzing large and/or multi-year data sets
• Experience managing research contractors
• Ability to communicate complex technical analyses in clear, accessible language
• Expertise in nutrition science, particularly related to ultra-processed foods

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) will be used for both pre-screen applicants and score candidates invited to interview for the RSS position. The SOQ is a narrative discussion, no more than two-pages in length in 12-point Arial font.

The SOQ should describe all relevant education, training, experience, and skills as they related to the duties described in the duty statement and desirable qualifications listed below. Please include places of employment and length of time (start and end dates) of your relevant experience.

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 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.

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