Climate and Health Scientist | Research Scientist III (Epi/Bio), JC-473978

The State of California is hiring a Climate and Health Scientist (Research Scientist III) to support the Department of Public Health. This role involves planning and directing climate and health studies, focusing on issues like wildfire smoke and drought. The position allows for telework, but candidates must reside in California. The job requires collaboration with epidemiologists and expertise in environmental health, data analysis, and community engagement.
Job Posting: Climate and Health Scientist

Department of Public Health

JC-473978 - Climate and Health Scientist
RESEARCH SCIENTIST III (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)

Final Filing Date: 5/22/2025
Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting equitable environmental, social, and economic conditions and protecting the health of Californians from climate-related exposures to achieve optimal physical and mental health and well-being for all.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I, Manager of the Climate Change and Health Unit, in the Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB). The Research Scientist III (RS III) plans, organizes, and directs climate and health studies of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity, focusing on wildfire smoke, drought, and extreme precipitation. The RS III collaborates with other epidemiologists to develop surveillance for climate-related health outcomes, in alignment with CDPH’s data modernization efforts. The RS III acts as a subject matter expert in the branch, providing consultation and technical assistance to other programs and at the Department level on an as needed basis. The incumbent exercises a high degree of initiative and flexibility in a substantial decision-making role and must be able to work effectively on a team.

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.
Minimum Requirements
• RESEARCH SCIENTIST III (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)

RESEARCH SCIENTIST III (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS) $8,045.00 - $10,364.00

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Desirable Qualifications
• Commitment to advancing racial equity, health equity, climate and economic justice, diversity, and inclusion in approach, processes, policies, and deliverables
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative methods used in environmental epidemiology and community-based participatory research
• Proficiency with statistical software such as R or Python
• Proficiency in large data set management and analysis
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization tools, e.g., ArcGIS
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team, while performing a wide array of complex work independently
• Creative, proactive, positive, takes initiative, able to adapt
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: 5/22/2025

Who May Apply: Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

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).
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.

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

Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
(916) 445-0983
apply@cdph.ca.gov

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 445-0938

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)
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About the Company:
State of California