Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Why Join DHCS?

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other  state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:
We are recruiting for a Research Scientist III (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) or (Social/Behavioral Sciences). 

Under general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor II, the Research Scientist III (RS III) (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) will plan, organize, and direct epidemiology/biostatistics scientific research studies of highly developed scientific scope for the Research Advisory Services Section. This will require ongoing scientific research and data analysis related to Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) programs in accordance with DHCS' specifications and requirements. The RS III will apply epidemiology, biostatistics, survey techniques, theoretical models, and research methods to plan, organize, and direct scientific research studies of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity to assess the impact of Medi-Cal policies and programs on eligibility, access, quality, utilization, health outcomes and expenditures in the context of disparities/equity and population health. The position will act as a resource / team lead to management and research staff for complex advanced research, statistical analysis, and data linkage associated with data collection, reporting, and implementation of evidence-based programs and best practices to reduce health disparities and improve health, quality of care, and cost outcomes.

This advertisement is posted as until filled. Applications will be reviewed on the last Monday of every month, and continue until selections are made.
Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact  recruit@dhcs.ca.gov , we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Please see the Telework Information section below for telework details.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule as outlined in the telework information section below; the amount of telework is based on the operational business needs. This position is currently eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in person a minimum of two days per week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.

1. In Office – refers to all working days.
2. Hybrid – refers to some working days in office and other days telework.
3. Telework – refers to all working days at approved alternate work location.

Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:

1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) of the  Research Scientist III (Epi/Bio) and  Research Scientist III (Social/Behavioral ). See the Minimum Requirements section above.

2. Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.

3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.

4. Once you have applied, take the  Research Scientist II (Social/Behavioral)or  Research Scientist III (Epi/Bio) Exam.

**Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.**

Applicants must also include a Supplemental Application (SA) for this recruitment. Responses must be no longer than two pages, single spaced, formatted in 12 point Arial font, with one-inch margins.  Statements of Qualifications cannot be used as a substitute for the Supplemental Application.

Respond directly to the following Supplemental Application question(s):

1. Having seen the advertisement, tell us why you feel you are qualified for a Research Scientist III position. Please include in your response any research experience, skills, education, or training that you think are relevant.

2. Please describe your health services training and experience assessing health care utilization, expenditures, access, and health equity. Include experience with Medicaid claims or health care finance data, if any.

3. Please describe your knowledge and experience working with SQL, SAS, Excel, and/or other analytic, business intelligence, or visualization software used for analytic, data management, or reporting initiatives.

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 with research, analysis, data management, and visualization of quantitative data.

• Experience an expertise with analytic software like: SAS, SQL, R Script, Python, and ArcGIS.

• Ability to design and implement health services research and data strategies.

Benefits

DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

• Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Defined retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Comprehensive Benefit information may be obtained by visiting:  California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary - CalHR. 

provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.

We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey:  SurveyMonkey link .

This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Telework and Salary Information

This position is currently eligible for telework up to three days per week and is required to report in person a minimum of two days per week. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.

The DHCS office location for this position is: 1700 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 Agreement

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the positions associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Supplemental Application - In order to be considered for this position, you must complete and submit a Supplemental Application (SA). Directions for completing the SA are in the Special Requirements section above.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Remote work, 2 days per week, 3 days per week,

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