Informatics Specialist

UCSF Health, AG; California; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health is seeking an Informatics Specialist IV to spearhead engineering, reliability, data access, and governance for a cloud-native Databricks Lakehouse. The role leads teams developing scalable data pipelines, reusable data models, and automated quality systems to support statewide analytics and program needs.

The candidate will collaborate across departments, apply advanced informatics, and drive continuous improvement of data infrastructure, security, and interoperability within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health care IT, computer science or related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in computer or data pipeline programming and database management or public health
• Proficiency in logical data design, data warehouse design, data integration, and data modeling
• Advanced skills in SQL, Python, R, and Spark APIs (e.g., PySpark)
• Knowledge of health informatics software, standards, and public health data management
• Strong project management, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering, reliability, data access, and data governance for cloud-native Databricks Lakehouse
• Manage teams building data pipelines, data models, data access frameworks, and data quality systems
• Integrate multiple enterprise data sources for statewide analytics and operations
• Develop protocols for data governance, access, interoperability, and metadata standards
• Guide scalable data pipelines, data marts, and secure data access; support continuous improvement
• Act as technical lead to engineers, informaticists, analysts, and program partners across CDPH
• Collaborate across teams to enhance enterprise data architecture and systems

Skills

SQL

Python

PySpark

Data governance

Public health informatics

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science

Master’s degree in computer science, informatics, public health, biostatistics

Doctorate degree in computer science, informatics, public health, biostatistics

Tools

Databricks Lakehouse

Apache Spark (PySpark)

Job description

Responsibilities

The California Department of Public Health Office of Data Strategy (ODS) is recruiting for an Informatics Specialist IV to serve as a lead engineer supporting CDPH’s enterprise data modernization efforts. The incumbent will lead engineering, operational reliability, data access, and data governance activities for CDPH’s cloud‑native Databricks Lakehouse environment. Responsibilities will include:

• Applying advanced professional public health informatics and enterprise data engineering and data architecture concepts and extensive knowledge of industry practices to projects of all levels of scope and complexity.
• Leading project teams in developing innovative informatics and enterprise data pipelines, reusable data models, data access frameworks, and automated data quality systems
• Identifying and implementing strategies for integrating multiple enterprise data sources, platforms, and systems to support statewide analytics, operations, and program needs. Conducting complex database design, data quality assurance, and quality improvement projects.
• Developing protocols and guidelines and providing information and technical assistance for CDPH programs, ODS partners, and system users related to data governance, access, interoperability, and metadata standards.
• Leading engineering efforts for scalable data pipelines, enterprise data marts, and secure data access. Supporting data governance, operational reliability, and continuous improvement of CDPH’s data infrastructure.
• Serves as a technical lead to engineers, informaticists, analysts, and program partners across CDPH.
• This position requires strong programming skills (SQL, Python, PySpark), experience with Databricks and distributed computing frameworks, and expertise in data governance and secure data access. The incumbent collaborates across ODS teams and CDPH programs to support enterprise data architecture, operational reliability, and continuous improvement of CDPH’s data systems.

Job Description

The California Department of Public Health Office of Data Strategy (ODS) is recruiting for an Informatics Specialist IV to serve as a lead engineer supporting CDPH’s enterprise data modernization efforts. The incumbent will lead engineering, operational reliability, data access, and data governance activities for CDPH’s cloud‑native Databricks Lakehouse environment. Responsibilities will include:

• Applying advanced professional public health informatics and enterprise data engineering and data architecture concepts and extensive knowledge of industry practices to projects of all levels of scope and complexity.
• Leading project teams in developing innovative informatics and enterprise data pipelines, reusable data models, data access frameworks, and automated data quality systems
• Identifying and implementing strategies for integrating multiple enterprise data sources, platforms, and systems to support statewide analytics, operations, and program needs. Conducting complex database design, data quality assurance, and quality improvement projects.
• Developing protocols and guidelines and providing information and technical assistance for CDPH programs, ODS partners, and system users related to data governance, access, interoperability, and metadata standards.
• Leading engineering efforts for scalable data pipelines, enterprise data marts, and secure data access. Supporting data governance, operational reliability, and continuous improvement of CDPH’s data infrastructure.
• Serves as a technical lead to engineers, informaticists, analysts, and program partners across CDPH.
• This position requires strong programming skills (SQL, Python, PySpark), experience with Databricks and distributed computing frameworks, and expertise in data governance and secure data access. The incumbent collaborates across ODS teams and CDPH programs to support enterprise data architecture, operational reliability, and continuous improvement of CDPH’s data systems.

Department Summary

UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS) is dedicated to improving health and reducing the burden of disease in the world’s most vulnerable populations. It integrates UCSF expertise in all of the health, social, and biological sciences, and focuses that expertise on pressing issues in global health. IGHS works with partners in countries throughout the world to achieve these aims. IGHS seeks to improve health worldwide, especially in developing countries, through research that informs policy. IGHS is committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment as we work towards becoming an anti‑racist organization. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please see our statement on anti‑racism here: https://globalhealthsciences.ucsf.edu/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/statement-structural-racism. The California Department of Public Health’s Office of Data Strategy (ODS) leads enterprise‑wide data modernization efforts to advance public health outcomes statewide. ODS is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable, secure, and interoperable data systems that support public health program operations, analytics, and strategic decision‑making. ODS collaborates with internal CDPH programs, Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs), and external partners to ensure efficient data integration, governance, and quality. The office fosters innovation in data engineering, analytics, and informatics, supporting initiatives such as enhanced surveillance, operational data systems, and public health response. ODS is committed to equity, transparency, and continuous improvement, empowering teams to deliver high‑quality data products and actionable insights for California’s public health ecosystem.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science, or related area, and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 5+ years of experience in computer or data pipeline programming and database management, OR 5+ years working in public health
• Demonstrated proficiency relating to logical data design, data warehouse design, data integration, and data modeling.
• Advanced skills associated with statistical analysis, data transformation or linking, data visualization, or data systems programming using programming languages including SQL, R,Python, and/or experience with Apache Spark language APIs (e.g. PySpark, sparklyr). .
• In-depth knowledge of all relevant clinical or public health informatics software and systems, and of the highly‑complex concepts, principles, policies, methodologies, techniques, best practices, regulations, and standards practices involved with health systems, health analytics, public health surveillance or electronic medical data management.
• Advanced organizational and project management skills, with the ability to lead a project team, prioritize tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule.
• Ability to apply advanced problem‑resolution skills to highly complex issues, quickly diagnose problems, and develop, test, and implement appropriate and effective solutions in a timely manner.
• Advanced ability to serve as a technical leader and information resource, and to work collaboratively with senior staff and management across departments, providing advice, counsel, and analysis on issues of policy, functionality, system efficiency, upgrades, business analytics, and industry advances and trends.
• Advanced analytical skills and expertise in documentation and reporting, with the ability to apply metrics, design and run queries, collect and analyze performance data, and produce sophisticated reports and analyses for management use.
• Advanced interpersonal communications skills, to convey highly technical information and instructions to all levels of users and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing, to provide technical support, and to develop and deliver training materials as needed.
• Advanced ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to public health surveillance, epidemiology, informatics, program evaluation, or research.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in computer science, informatics, public health, biostatistics, epidemiology or epidemiology and biostatistics and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Doctorate degree in computer science, informatics, public health, biostatistics, epidemiology or epidemiology and biostatistics and / or equivalent experience / training.
• In-depth knowledge of machine learning, and deployment of predictive analytics in operational environments. Knowledge of pattern recognition, machine learning, and/or natural language processing, clinical workflows, user interface optimization, data integration and mining, clinical ontologies and adoption of technology.
• Experience with interoperability standards such as Health Level Seven International (HL7) V2.x, V3, IHE profile, Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) and/or Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).
• Public health domain knowledge is preferred but not required, and may be developed or expanded after hiring

About Us

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate‑level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values . In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here .

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html