RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

State of California; United States; Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Civil Rights Department is hiring a Research Data Specialist III to lead advanced research and data analysis across social science topics, including hate crime indicators, housing and employment discrimination, and policy evaluation.

You will design studies, conduct literature reviews, apply qualitative and quantitative methods, and translate findings into actionable, evidence-based recommendations for executive staff.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to conduct literature reviews and advanced data analysis.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Ability to communicate findings to executive staff.

Skills

Research design

Data analysis

Literature reviews

Policy communication

Tools

Excel

R

Stata

SPSS

Word

Job description

Job Posting: Research Data Specialist III

California Civil Rights Department

JC-530833 - Research Data Specialist III

$8,392.00 - $10,505.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 10/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the Assistant Deputy Director of Research and Policy, the Research Data Specialist III is responsible for a wide range of highly advanced, complex research and data analysis tasks of the Department. The incumbent will draw broadly across research disciplines to scope, conduct, and manage a variety of literature reviews and complex research tasks using the appropriate methodology, including qualitative and advanced quantitative research methods. This position functions as a senior subject matter expert in social science research design, data analytics, and evidence-based policy formulation. The incumbent will be an excellent communicator and excel at synthesizing and interpreting research and data to develop novel insights and actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations. The incumbent will advise executive staff and public officials on complex research projects and studies. Potential research topics will be driven primarily by the needs of the Civil Rights Department, the Commission on the State of Hate, and the Civil Rights Council. Potential research topics include analysis of hate crime data, best practices for preventing and responding to hate activity, housing and employment discrimination, and civil rights.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the essential functions listed in the duty statement.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

This position is hybrid and will require scheduled in-office days to be established with your supervisor in accordance with Department policy.

This position will be located in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, Fresno or Bakersfield, depending on the location of the selected candidate.

Working Conditions

• Requires ability to effectively handle stress, and work in a noisy and fast paced environment.
• Requires daily use of a personal computer and related software applications at a workstation.
• Requires ability to complete tasks that require repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties, with or without reasonable accommodations and modifications to facilitate such tasks.
• Requires prolonged use of a workstation for 6.5 to 7 hours per day.
• Requires punctual and regular attendance.
• Requires occasional travel to meetings and other events.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

# of Positions: 3

Work Location: United States

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) formally known as Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the civil rights enforcement agency for the State of California. CRD's mission is to protect all people in California from employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination, human trafficking and hate violence.

CRD is the largest state civil rights enforcement agency in the country. It enforces the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act, Disabled Person Act, Ralph Civil Rights Act and the California Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The Department has jurisdiction over both private and public entities operating within the State of California, including corporate entities, private sector companies that contract with the State of California, and all State department and Local governments.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to synthesize complex information, including research and qualitative and quantitative data, to clearly communicate findings
• Ability to design and conduct social science research studies using qualitative and quantitative methods
• Ability to objectively understand and articulate limitations in research and data
• Ability to prioritize research projects by evaluating their feasibility and potential for impact
• Ability to develop clear, actionable, policy recommendations informed by research efforts
• Experience managing and conducting research on civil rights and hate
• Excellent writing and editing abilities
• Excellent communication skills, such as being able to present orally before a group in an effective and convincing manner
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships
• Ability to operate a computer and knowledge of Excel, Word, and at least one statistical software program, such as R, Stata, or SPSS.
• Ability to prepare written documents and accurate detailed reports clearly and concisely
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:

Statement of Qualifications Instructions

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Application packets received without an SOQ will not be considered. The SOQ serves as a documentation of a candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Your response to the statements below should be no more than 2 pages in length, single spaced, and in 12-point Arial font.

• Describe your education, training, and experience related to reviewing and synthesizing information and research, including but not limited to, your experience writing literature reviews.
• Describe your education, training, and experience related to designing and conducting empirical research studies. In your response, describe your experience with, and proficiency in, specific qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and analysis techniques in detail. Also describe your experience conducting research in applied settings.
• Describe your experience communicating and explaining research findings to individuals without a background in research.
• Describe your education, training and experience related to the topics of hate, civil rights, bias, prejudice, and/or discrimination.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Department Website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding application process.

Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.