Informatics Specialist

UCSF; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences is seeking an Informatics Specialist IV to lead engineering for CDPH’s cloud‑native Databricks Lakehouse environment, focusing on data governance, access, and scalable pipelines. The role involves collaboration with cross‑functional teams and senior staff to ensure reliable data infrastructure and high‑quality analytics for statewide health programs.

Ideal candidates will have strong SQL, Python, PySpark, and Databricks experience, plus a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science, or related area or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of computer or data pipeline programming and database management or 5+ years in public health.
• Knowledge of data warehouse design, data integration, and data modeling.
• Proficiency in SQL, R, Python, and Apache Spark language APIs (e.g. PySpark, sparklyr).
• Experience with interoperability standards and health data systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical leader for planning, developing, implementing, and analyzing complex public health informatics systems.
• Represent enterprise data needs in high-level design discussions for Databricks Lakehouse, data governance, and cloud architecture.
• Lead teams to build data pipelines, data models, data access frameworks, and data quality systems.
• Develop guidelines and provide technical assistance for data governance, access, interoperability, and metadata standards.

Skills

SQL

Python

PySpark

Databricks

Data governance

Data modeling

Public health informatics

Distributed computing

Leadership

Advanced analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate degree

Tools

Apache Spark APIs

Databricks

Job description

Job Summary:

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: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.

Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed , what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

%of time Essential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities(To be completed by Supervisor)20 YesServes as a technical leader in collaborating with public health, technical, local health jurisdictions, community, and clinical leaders to plan, develop, implement, and analyze highly‑complex public health informatics systems, and to design integrated architecture to ensure an optimal and efficient user experience and functionality, integrity, and reliability of systems.

• Represents ODS and CDPH enterprise data needs in high‑level design discussions related to the Databricks Lakehouse environment, data governance, data access, interoperability, and cloud architecture.

30 YesLeads project teams that include advanced public health, local health jurisdiction, community, and clinical staff to improve public health informatics results and to provide advice and sophisticated metrics and analytics to support management's decision‑making processes for systems modifications that are cost‑effective, scalable, and meet present and future needs.

• Conducts complex data analysis using data from multiple sources including program, operational, administrative, and surveillance datasets from diverse CDPH systems (such as communicable disease, cancer, and vital statistics registries, laboratories, electronic health records, and claims data) to inform programmatic action.
• Develops strategies and technical solutions to support enterprise‑wide linkage, matching, metadata alignment, and interoperability across CDPH systems.
• Develops dashboards, operational tools, and Lakehouse‑enabled visualizations to support CDPH programs, leadership, and operational teams

20 YesPerforms highly‑complex quality assurance testing, designs and runs SQL (Structured Query Language) and R queries for enhanced and complex data access, and plans, develops, and writes documentation of design and deployment processes, workflows, and results.

• Conducts high‑level data quality assurance activities; makes recommendations and implements processes to improve enterprise data lake structure, governance, data access, platform performance and functionality.
• Recommends and establishes protocols for improvements to processes for producing routine and ad‑hoc data reports using data from multiple sources.
• Ensures data sharing is compliant with relevant security and privacy requirements and that access to protected health information (PHI) is limited to the minimum necessary information needed for analysis

20 YesAs a technical leader and information resource, will provide support, troubleshooting, and problem solving at an advanced level, and may produce and deliver user training curricula and system documentation to support internal and external partners. Ensures successful completion of project deliverables. Mentors mid‑level and junior engineers analysts, and informaticians and provides administrative and technical direction and support.

5 YesPrepares graphs, reports, and publications and presents findings at national, state, and local conferences and meetings. Participates in departmental and programmatic strategic planning and other related initiatives (such as in support of racial equity and emergency response).

5 YesResearches and stays up to date on newest technology in public health informatics; contributes to planning.

100% (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

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 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

Salary InformationThe 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: