he Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory Program (VRDL) 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.

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by designing, organizing, performing, and directing research of human viruses, including arboviruses and other zoonotic and vector borne viruses, SARS CoV-2, monkeypox virus and other viruses of public health importance. This position will investigate highly specialized scientific questions designed to diagnosis and characterize infectious viral and rickettsial pathogens for clinical diagnosis or to inform a public health response. The incumbent will develop and conduct research into statewide public health matters with potential for major impact on community health and disease prevention efforts.

The Research Scientist IV (Microbiological Sciences) works with potentially infectious materials in a biosafety level 2 or 3 laboratory. Use of appropriate biosafety precautions, including personal protective equipment required as necessary, as well as standing or sitting for long periods of time in a laboratory environment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (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:

Qualified candidates will have public health laboratory experience, preferably in virology with knowledge of conventional and cutting-edge technology for diagnostic detection of viruses and other pathogens of public health significance. Incumbents should have at least 5-7 years of hands-on laboratory experience with increasing responsibility over time, experience training laboratory staff in highly complex laboratory techniques and instrumentation. The incumbent must have excellent communication and writing skills. Incumbent must have a 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=473580

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.

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