RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I

Department-of-Fish-and-Wildlif; California; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Fish and Wildlife in California seeks a Research Scientist Supervisor I to lead and supervise multi-phase genetic studies, directing a team in the Genetics Research Laboratory and advising staff on transgenic issues and genetics policies.

You will oversee laboratory configurations, workflows, training, safety and QA/QC, mentor staff, conduct stock assessments, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at technical meetings.

Qualifications

• PhD or related field is desirable.
• Experience with laboratory DNA technologies.
• Experience leading complex collaborative projects.
• Experience supervising laboratory staff.
• Experience working with managers on genetic management policy.

Responsibilities

• Supervise complex genetic studies and coordinate with external agencies and staff.
• Oversee development of genetic markers, sequencing methods, analytics, and data storage.
• Advise staff and managers on transgenic issues and genetics policies.
• Provide supervision and leadership to a team of research scientists in the genetics lab.
• Oversee lab configurations, workflows, schedules, resources and safety SOPs.
• Mentor staff and support professional development.
• Analyze fish stocks and publish results, presenting at technical meetings.

Skills

Good communication skills

Team leadership

Ability to work in small groups

Personal initiative

Education

PhD in Fisheries/Genetics

DNA technologies in genetics

Experience leading scientific projects

Lab management

Genetics policy experience

Supervising lab staff

Job description

Job Posting: Research Scientist Supervisor I

Department of Fish and Wildlife

JC-537668 - Research Scientist Supervisor I

$9,865.00 - $12,960.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 12/2/2026

Number of Positions: 1

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Key Responsibilities include:

Scientific Leadership & Study Direction

• Provide supervision and oversight of complex studies: Plan and lead multi-phase genetic studies (PBT and Cohort Reconstruction) in coordination with external agencies and CDFW staff.
• Innovate Tech & Workflows: Oversee the development and implementation of new genetic markers, sequencing methods, analytical tools, and robust databases for genetic data storage and analysis.
• Expert Advisory: Serve as a primary scientific advisor to CDFW staff and fisheries managers on transgenic issues, field collection protocols, and genetics policies.
• Supervision: Provide supervision, training, guidance and leadership to a team of research scientists working in the CDFW Genetics Research Laboratory.

Laboratory Management & Mentorship

• Optimize Operations: Oversee laboratory configurations, workflows, schedules, resource allocations, and equipment/service contracts.
• Train & Mentor: Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and professional development support to laboratory staff to ensure high-quality scientific output.
• Safety & Quality Control: Establish and enforce stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance (QA/QC) processes, and laboratory safety protocols.

Fieldwork, Analysis, & Research

• Stock Assessment: Analyze wild/hatchery fish stocks and aquatic invasive species to assess presence, genetic stock identification, and compliance with management plans.
• Publish & Present: Maintain an active understanding of current scientific literature, publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at technical meetings.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Department Information

Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California’s diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.

California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.

Join us and begin a meaningful new career!

Position's reporting staff will share lab space and equipment with other CDFW programs.

Incumbent must possess good communication skills, get along well with others and the ability to work in small groups for extended periods of time.

Ability to interact with the public and maintain a high level of professional integrity.

Ability to maintain strict compliance with safety protocols.

Interest in fisheries or wildlife conservation and management issues

Interest in laboratory management

Good organizational skills

Personal initiative

Desirable Qualifications

• -PhD in Fisheries, Genetics/Genomics, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology or related field
• -Experience in laboratory DNA technologies in genetic research and management
• -Experience in leading complex collaborative scientific projects
• -Experience in laboratory management including: Establishing safety protocols, working with laboratory equipment, and establishing work flows within a laboratory setting
• -Experience working with managers on policy decisions related to genetic management
• -Experience overseeing the work of others in a laboratory setting

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Civil Rights Office
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTy is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Telework and Personal Leave Program Language

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

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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.