Microbial Genomics Scientist III | Research Scientist III (Microbiological Sciences), JC-464347

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.

• Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
• The CDPH does not currently use E-Verify for employment verification.
• The salary listed in this ad may not include recent adjustments or changes from the fiscal year

Job Description And Duties

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 performing quality, timely, highly complex public health laboratory testing for the diagnosis and epidemiologic investigation of microbial diseases of public health importance in the State of California.

The RS III focuses on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of microbial isolates including expansion, testing, and validation of bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing data from various sequencing platforms. Additionally, the RS III assists with development of new workflows for sequencing and data reporting. Advanced-level experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics workflows, and data analysis software is highly preferred.

The RS III conducts routine laboratory testing, complies with safety and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices, provides and documents technical training and competency assessments (as assigned).

The RS III may be delegated Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Technical and/or General Supervisory responsibilities by the CLIA laboratory director if qualifications are met.

The RS III prepares, reviews, and updates laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) in addition to designing, conducting, and overseeing validation and verification studies for new procedures to identify and/or characterize microbial pathogens.

The RS III works with CDPH colleagues to make improvements to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) as applicable to the Unit.

The RS III plans, designs, and carries out scientific research studies related genomic identification and characterization of infectious pathogens; makes independent decisions in their specific scientific field of expertise; may serve as scientific advisor or consultant to lower-level scientists conducting scientific studies and to internal and external stakeholders and clients.

The RS III assists with grant writing and communicates with internal and external partners, presents scientific research or investigations to public health experts and the community, publishes research in scientific journals, and performs other related work.

The RS III participates in providing workshops or trainings on WGS to CDPH and non-CDPH microbiologists and research scientists.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I of the Molecular Characterization Unit.

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:

The preferred candidate will have advanced-level experience and expertise in next generation sequencing laboratory methods and analysis (including phylogenetics / genomic epidemiology), development and/or validation of bioinformatics pipelines, and data analysis software. California Public Health Microbiologist certification and experience in a regulated clinical laboratory environment is desirable.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Instructions

Statement of Qualification should include the following:

• Briefly describe your qualifications for this position, including your education and specific experience performing next generation sequencing methods, and analyzing data using bioinformatics pipelines and data analysis software (limit 1 page, single spaced).

PLEASE NOTE: Resumes, letters, Supplemental Questionnaire, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Applications received without an SOQ may be rejected.

Eligibility Information

If you are new to California State Service, you must take and pass the examination for this classification to be eligible for hire. Current state employees without transfer or list eligibility must also complete and pass the examination for this classification to qualify for this position.

Please go to CalHR’s website to review the exam bulletin: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=3393

Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework up to three (3) days per week and is required to report in-person to the designated headquarters office location a minimum of two (2) days per week. 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.

Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office 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.

Final Filing Date: 3/11/2025

Job Code #: JC-464347

Position #(s): 580-731-5599-018

Working Title: Microbial Genomics Scientist III

Classification: RESEARCH SCIENTIST III (MICROBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES)

$8,045.00 - $10,364.00

Work Location: Contra Costa County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at Apply@cdph.ca.gov or (916) 445-0983.