Senior Pharmaceutical Data Specialist

California Department of Health Care Access and Information; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 7,600 - 9,600; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Health Care Access and Information is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Data Specialist to support CalRx program operations and equitable access through advanced data analysis and research. This role requires independent judgment and the ability to translate data insights into policy and operational recommendations.

The position is based in Sacramento with hybrid telework, and is classified as Permanent, Full Time, with salary ranges reflecting state compensation.

Qualifications

• Advanced research methodologies
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Ability to develop findings and recommendations for program decisions
• Experience evaluating policy impact and program outcomes

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced research methods to support CalRx program decisions and operations
• Gather, analyze, and synthesize structured and unstructured data to inform policy and vendor decisions
• Develop high-impact policy and operational recommendations to improve access to affordable prescription drugs

Job description

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.

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.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-530566

Position #(s): 441-600-5758-XXX

Working Title: Senior Pharmaceutical Data Specialist

Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A

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

Shall Consider: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information works to ensure that healthcare is available where Californians need it most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state’s healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing vital health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We provide tools and support to help you start, build, or transition your career while making a meaningful impact for all Californians.

The Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) has three primary responsibilities: slowing health care spending growth, monitoring health system performance, and assessing market consolidation. OHCA was created in an effort to slow rising health care spending, and the work of this office will make a tangible difference in making health care more affordable. If you believe that all Californians should have access to health care and be able to afford it, then join the OHCA team.

HCAI is committed to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We value our employees’ skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture of equitable opportunity, empowering our employees to advance health care access and information for the diverse populations we serve across California.

Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

Under general direction of the Pharmaceutical Policy Manager, the Senior Pharmaceutical Data Specialist applies advanced research methodologies, expert data analysis, and independent judgment to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of P3B and CalRx programmatic operations and strategies, including those to ensure equitable access.

The incumbent functions as a specialist for research and data projects, plans, designs, and carries out research projects; identifies data needs; gathers and analyzes structured and unstructured data; and develops findings and recommendations to support CalRx program decisions. The incumbent applies advanced research methods to evaluate program outcomes, market dynamics, access barriers, and policy impacts. The incumbent develops high-impact policy and operational recommendations that shape CalRx’s strategy, guide program implementation, inform vendor and partnership decisions and access to affordable and critical prescription drugs throughout the state.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025 , visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

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

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).

Final Filing Date: 9/14/2026

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.