What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS) position at Department of Health Care Services?
Why Join DHCS?
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!
About this Role:
We are recruiting for a Research Scientist IV (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) or (Social/Behavioral Sciences) to fill this vacancy.
This position is part of the Data Analytics Division (DAD). In the Enterprise Data and Information Management (EDIM), specifically under the Data Fullfillment Branch (DFB). The Research Scientist IV (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) (RS IV) will serve as subject matter expert for the DHCS, related to the implementation of Safe Harbor and Expert Determination Methods for data de-identification so that DHCS’ protected health information can be used and disclosed outside of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule’s protections. As such, the incumbent will plan, organize, direct, and apply methods for de-identification of DHCS’ Medi-Cal and other protected health information in accordance with the Privacy Rule. The incumbent will provide scientific support and direction for the development of data use agreements to share files with known disclosure risks. The incumbent will use epidemiologic, biostatistical, and survey techniques and theories to research/evaluate population health, conduct scientific research studies of broad scientific scope and complexity, implement complex data linkage initiatives, and present and/or publish findings.
Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.
Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact recruit@dhcs.ca.gov, we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- In Office – refers to all working days.
- Hybrid – refers to some working days in office and other days telework.
- Telework – refers to all working days at approved alternate work location.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)
- RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Shall Consider:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES)
Department Information
DHCS is a dynamic department with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities with our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce which reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunities.
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.
The Data Analytics Division’s (DAD) mission is to describe and analyze data to answer questions that can be used to meet business objectives and drive decision making.
The DAD is part of the EDIM, which provides department-wide leadership and support of the collection, analysis, management, and dissemination of quality data and data products in order for programs to make sound, data-driven decisions to better serve beneficiaries, improve outcomes, and support programmatic needs and requirements.
All hires subject to HR approval.
Special Requirements
Simple Application Steps
If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:
1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the Research Scientist IV. See the Minimum Requirements section above.
2. Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.
3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
4. Once you have applied, take the Research Scientist IV (all parentheticals) Exam.
**Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.**
Applicants must also include a Supplemental Application (SA) for this recruiment. Responses must be no longer that one page, single spaced, formatted in 12 point Arial font, with one-inch margins. Statements of Qualifications cannot be used as a substitute for the Supplemental Application.
Respond directly to the following Supplement Application question (s):
1. Describe your background and knowledge base as it relates to the position's duty statement.
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: 2/18/2025Who 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.
- Supplemental Application - To be considered for this vacancy, you must submit a response to the Supplemental Questions with your STD. 678. Directions for completeing the SA are in the Special Requirements section above.
Desirable Qualifications
Expertise in statistical sampling, statistical analysis, data quality assessment/assurance processes, and research methodologies in an applied research setting.
Demonstrated strong analytic, statistical, data governance, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrated experience using SAS, SQL, advanced Excel and/or similar software.
Experience/knowledge with administrative claims/encounter data, Vital Records data, and clinical quality measures, including Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), National Quality Forum (NQF), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Core Set specifications.
Benefits
DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:
- Continuous and ongoing training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
- Defined retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Kathy Lao
(916) 750-2716
kathy.lao@dhcs.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 Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.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.
Telework Information
The DHCS standard for hybrid work is a minimum of two days per week in-person and site-based and up to three teleworking days per week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department’s operational business needs and subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.
The DHCS office location for this position is: 1700 K Street, Sacamento, CA.
Additional Information
Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.
Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), andthe Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.
If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov. For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov.
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.
