The Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) Program  is one of the oldest and largest state public health virology laboratories in the United States. As a CLIA-certified state public health laboratory performing high complexity testing, it serves as the reference laboratory for local public health laboratories and other clients, provides primary testing for some local public health departments that do not have laboratories, and conducts research to advance public health diagnostics and science. The VRDL is an advanced reference laboratory for the federal Laboratory Response Network and coordinates several state laboratory testing networks including the Respiratory Laboratory Network and the Measles Laboratory Network. VRDL provides laboratory testing, technical consultation and support, training and assistance, and research required for the diagnosis, investigation, and control of viral and rickettsial diseases of public health significance.

*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 not currently an E-Verify employer.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

Candidates 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 providing supervision of the laboratorians of the COVID, Respiratory, Research, Development and Sequencing (CoRRDS) Unit. The Research Scientist Supervisor (RSS) I is the direct supervisor and technical leader of the CoRRDS Unit.  Duties include providing administrative guidance and direction to subordinates and planning, organizing, and directing major scientific research studies or public health investigations of a broad scientific scope and complexity, making independent decisions, and serving as a consultant to staff members conducting studies in the field of respiratory and gastroenteric diseases. The RSS I will also perform administrative duties including budgeting and program planning for special scientific research projects, recruitment, training, and supervising appropriate research personnel and other staff members. The RSS I may conduct highly specialized phases of a major scientific project or investigation that would require coordination with professional staff from other State, local, or Federal agencies and publish or present such scientific research or investigations to other public health experts and the community.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I (MICROBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES)

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:

• Public health laboratory experience in a leadership role, preferably in virology with knowledge of conventional and cutting-edge technology for diagnostic detection of viruses and other pathogens of public health significance.
• At least 5 years of hands-on laboratory experience with increasing responsibility over time.
• Experience training laboratory staff in highly complex laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Ability to manage a complex portfolio of public health laboratory services for multiple clients.
• Experience in efficient delivery of reliable laboratory services.
• Working knowledge of laboratory quality management systems.  
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills to work with varied colleagues, stakeholders, and collaborators.

How To Apply

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 CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=498968

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.

About California Department of Public Health

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 Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with CDPH’s programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on HR matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services.

Connections working at California Department of Public Health