Analytical Chemist

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in California, and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

The Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) is based on the Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people. The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success.

The Drinking Water & Radiation Laboratory (DWRL) has two Sections, Microbiology & Biomonitoring Section (MBS) and Chemistry & Radiochemistry Section (CRS). DWRL is staffed with approximately 35 professional scientists, technicians, and admin support personnel who support a variety of Public Health programs by conducting special studies and by providing scientific expertise and laboratory services.  DWRL provides environmental radiation/radiochemistry measurements, testing marine biotoxins in shellfish, researching emerging chemical contaminants of public health concerns, testing of opioids and illicit drug residues, and is an accredited clinical laboratory for testing toxic substances and their metabolites in human specimens.  DWRL conducts surveillance of wastewater to detect viral and bacterial diseases to protect, maintain and advance public health readiness against known and emerging infectious disease threats and does water testing for microbial pathogens and indicator organisms.  DWRL is located in a state-of-the-art, 500,000 square foot facility located a few blocks from the San Francisco Bay at the CDPH Richmond Campus.

This position supports the CDPH Center for Laboratory Science’s mission and strategic plan by protecting the public’s health by enhancing California’s resilience to current and emerging health threats, promoting health and wellness by advancing protective measures and reducing risk, and by strengthening the Public Health workforce through recruitment and development and talent acquisition.  All of these contribute to CDPH’s Mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities.

The Research Scientist III (Chemical Sciences) (RS III (CS)), plans, organizes, and directs scientific research studies of a highly developed scope and complexity. The RS III (CS) works as a member of a cooperative team, implementing standardized high-complexity clinical laboratory tests, and assists with development and performance of methods for qualification and quantification of toxic chemical residues and/or their metabolites in clinical samples, biological specimens, and possibly environmental samples as well. Independently conceives, plans and implements collaborative research needed to develop and perform practical instrumental analysis methods for qualification and quantification of toxic substances or their metabolites in clinical samples as needed, and possibly in environmental media as well.

While emergencies have been very infrequent or rare in the past, the RS III (CS)’s general availability to work is needed 24/7. This availability is required for certain unexpected or unscheduled laboratory operations, and thus 24/7 availability is one condition upon which filling this vacancy rests. The position requires 10% out-of-state travel to program-sponsored meetings, scientific conferences, and specialized training. The incumbent works in the laboratory, which is in compliance with the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

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:

Experience in organic and inorganic analysis in clinical or environmental samples using sophisticated analytical techniques (Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer, Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometer, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) for qualitative and quantitative analyses under quality assurance protocols. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Holding a current clinical laboratory scientist license or having a plan in progress towards it is desirable. 

 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.

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.