RESEARCH SCIENTIST JC-534280

California Department of Public Health; California; On-site; USD 85,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) seeks a Clinical Chemistry Scientist to plan, organize, and conduct scientific research and clinical testing projects in a high‑complexity, CLIA‑certified laboratory. The role involves ensuring QA protocols are followed and testing newborn specimens to detect genetic disorders.

Under supervision of senior staff, the incumbent will perform duties per established guidelines, with the possibility of contributing to program-wide quality assurance and

Qualifications

• Hold a valid license as a California Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and conduct scientific research and clinical testing projects of moderate scope and complexity.
• Ensure testing activities in the CLIA‑certified genetic screening lab meet established QA protocols.
• Perform testing on dried blood spot, serum, plasma, and whole blood from newborns to detect genetic disorders.
• Work under supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor, Technical/General Supervisor and CLIA Laboratory Director.

Job description

Department Information

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 team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

Department Information

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 team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

The Genetic Disease Screening Program (GDSP) of the California Department of Public Health works to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We run the largest screening program in the world and set the standard in delivering high-quality, cost-effective genetic services to all Californians.

“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”

“ The CDPH is currently an E-Verify employer. ”

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

The mission of GDSP is “to serve the people of California by reducing the emotional and financial burden of disability and death caused by genetic and congenital disorders” in support of CDPH’s mission “to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities.”

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as a Clinical Chemistry Scientist that is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting scientific research and clinical testing projects of moderate scientific scope and complexity. The role ensures that testing activities within the Technical/General Supervisor Section of the high‑complexity Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified genetic screening laboratory are conducted in compliance with established quality assurance protocols. Testing is performed on dried blood spot, serum, plasma, and whole blood specimens from newborns to detect genetic disorders.

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor, Technical/General Supervisor and CLIA Laboratory Director and performs duties in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

The incumbent will be required at the time of appointment to:

• Hold a valid license as a California Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Final Filing Date: 10/23/2026

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-534280

Position #(s):

580-530-5582-909

Working Title

Clinical Chemistry Scientist

Classification

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

$7,625.00 - $9,799.00

$6,942.00 - $8,922.00 A

$7,625.00 - $9,799.00 B

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Contra Costa County

Telework

In Office

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time