Climate Change & Health Informatics Scientist

The Climate Change & Health Informatics Scientist position at the California Department of Public Health focuses on research at the intersection of climate change and health equity. The role involves data analysis, developing online tools, and ensuring scientific quality of reports. It offers a hybrid work environment with telework up to three days a week, requiring in-person attendance at the office at least two days a week. Candidates must be California residents.
About the position

The Climate Change & Health Informatics Scientist position at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is a pivotal role aimed at addressing the intersection of climate change and health equity. This position is classified as Research Scientist III (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) and is designed for individuals who are passionate about promoting health and racial equity through innovative research and data analysis. The incumbent will be headquartered in the county nearest to their residence, specifically in either Contra Costa County or Sacramento County, and will work under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I within the Climate Surveillance Science Unit of the Research and Evaluation Branch. In this role, the Research Scientist III will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing complex informatics, surveillance, research, and data analysis related to climate change and health equity. This includes developing online tools and dashboards that effectively communicate research findings and surveillance data to a variety of audiences. The incumbent will conduct ongoing data informatics work, perform data analysis, and create online reporting systems to disseminate information. Ensuring the scientific quality of all indicators, tools, and reports is a critical aspect of this position, as the work directly contributes to the CDPH's mission of promoting equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions for optimal health and well-being. The position offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for telework up to three days per week, while requiring in-person attendance at the designated headquarters office at least two days per week. Candidates must be California residents, and business travel may be required, with reimbursement for travel expenses governed by state regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in advancing health equity and addressing the pressing health challenges posed by climate change.

Responsibilities
• Plan, organize, and direct complex informatics, surveillance, research, and data analysis related to climate change and health equity.
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• Develop online tools and dashboards to communicate research and surveillance data and indicators.
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• Conduct ongoing data informatics work and data analysis.
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• Create online reporting systems for dissemination to diverse audiences.
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• Ensure scientific quality of all indicators, tools, and reports.

Requirements
• Master's Degree in a relevant field is required; Doctoral Degree preferred.
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• Experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field.
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• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis and informatics.
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• Ability to develop and communicate complex data findings to diverse audiences.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with climate change research and health equity initiatives.
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• Familiarity with online tool development and dashboard creation.
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• Knowledge of public health policies and practices.

Benefits
• Educational pay differential for advanced degrees (2% for Master's, 3% for Doctoral).
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• Hybrid work environment with telework options.
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• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful public health initiatives.