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Sciences

Classifications in this job field are involved in a myriad of science-based work designed to promote safety, health and well-being of the people in California.  This may include some of the following specialized work: epidemiological investigation of disease reservoirs, disease surveillance, technological transmission studies, laboratory diagnosis and support, public educational efforts, coordinating and conducting emergency vector control, enforcement of various food and drug environmental health-related laws and regulations; preparing environmental permitting packages, regulatory permits, and other environmental documents; environmental analysis in a laboratory setting; preparing and editing scientific papers for publication; and researching and developing innovative programs to address emerging problems

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Featured Classification

ā€‹Four images of laboratory tubes and  a petri dish

ā€‹ā€‹Research Scientist

The Research Scientist series is responsible for the direction and conduct of highly specialized public health scientific research necessary to meet the responsibilities of the State to protect and improve the health of its citizens. The purposes of the research conducted are to contribute to the understanding, prevention, and control of illnesses and injuries and to develop public health education and prevention programs that result in reduced morbidity and mortality, and to measure the efficiency of the health care system in reducing morbidity and mortality.

There are over 50 classifications in this series ranging from Research Scientist I - V, Research Scientist Supervisor I and II, and Research Scientist Manager, in various specialties including chemical sciences, epidemiology/biostatistics, food and drug sciences, microbiological sciencesā€‹, physical/engineering sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and veterinary sciences.

Use these resources to determine if your degree(s) are within one of the specialties (PDF) or closely related fieldsā€‹ (PDF).

ā€‹ā€‹How to Apply

Step 1: Create or Login to Your CalCareer Account

With a CalCareer account, you can take state civil service examinations, store different versions of your application, apply for vacancies, track your application status and save your resume all in one place.

Step 2: Take Examination/Assessment

Before you can work for the State, you need to take and pass an examination for the job type (classification) that you wish to be considered for employment. The assessment process can take many forms (i.e. self-assessments or written exams) and may be required to be completed in-person or online. Examination Bulletins list the minimum qualifications and the steps required to apply and/or complete the examination/assessment. If you have current or past state experience, you may have Transfer Eligibility or Reinstatement Rights.

Below are some of our sciences examinations. For a complete list, please visit ā€‹ā€‹CalCareersā€‹.ā€‹

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Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)$7,336.00-$9,126.00MultipleEX-1301Continuous
Associate Health Physicist$7,302.00-$10,042.00Contra Costa; Orange; SacramentoEX-212401/19/2025
Junior Health Physicist$5,279.00-$6,910.00Contra Costa; Orange; Sacramento2H1AA01/12/2025
Public Health Microbiologist I$5,766.00-$8,202.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-188801/05/2025
Public Health Microbiologist (Specialist) $7,123.00-$10,250.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-281101/05/2025
Public Health Microbiologist Specialist (Virology)$7,123.00-$10,250.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-282901/05/2025
Public Health Microbiologist II$6,523.00-$9,373.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-279701/05/2025
Public Health Microbiologist II (Virology)$6,523.00-$9,373.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-261001/05/2025
Public Health Microbiologist Supervisor$7,419.00-$10,672.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-271701/05/2025
Public Health Microbiologist Supervisor (Virology)$7,419.00-$10,672.00Contra Costa; AlamedaEX-270501/05/2025
Environmental Scientist$4,269.00-$8,877.00MultipleEX-1709Continuous

ā€‹Step 3: Search and Apply for Jobs

Once you have taken the examination or established eligibility for the job type that you wish to be considered for employment, you may be considered for open positions in that job type by applying for job vacancies. Login to your CalCareer account, locate the job posting you wish to apply for and click on ā€œApply for This Jobā€ and follow the prompts.

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Research Scientist II (Microbiological Sciences) - Laboratory Response Network Biological Threats (LRN-B) Coordinator$7,367.00-$9,422.00Permanent Full TimeCenter for Laboratory SciencesMicrobial Diseases Laboratory BranchContra CostaJC# 45794012/24/2024EX-3352Continuous
Research Scientist II (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) - Prenatal Screening Data Scientist$7,367.00-$9,422.00Permanent Full TimeCenter for Family HealthGenetic Disease Division - RichmondContra CostaJC# 45792512/16/2024EX-3350Continuous
Research Scientist IV (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) - Senior Epidemiologist; Genomic Epidemiology$9,249.00-$11,917.00Permanent Full TimeCenter for Infectious DiseasesStatewideJC# 45837212/20/2024EX-3374Continuous
Research Scientist I (Chemical Sciences) - Clinical Chemistry Scientist$6,707.00-$8,579.00Permanent Full TimeCenter for Family HealthGenetic Disease Division - RichmondContra CostaJC# 45908312/25/2024EX-2991Continuous
Research Data Specialist II - Regulatory Data Specialist$7,201.00-$9,013.00Permanent Full TimeCenter for Health Care QualityPublic Policy & Prevention DivisionSacramentoJC# 45916912/19/2024EX-2361Continuous
Research Scientist II (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) - Emergency Data Management Scientist$7,367.00-$9,422.00Permanent Full TimePublic Health Emergency PreparednessPublic Health Emergency PreparednessSacramentoJC# 45787512/16/2024EX-3350Continuous
Research Scientist Supervisor I (Microbiological Sciences) - COVID, Respiratory Research, Development and Sequencing Unit (CoRRDS) Supervisor$9,254.00-$11,868.00Permanent Full TimeCenter for Laboratory SciencesViral & Rickettsial Disease LaboratoryContra CostaJC# 4594381/22/2025EX-3495Continuous
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