Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Why Join DHCS?

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:

The Enterprise Data and Information Management (EDIM), Program Data Reporting Division (PDRD) at the California DHCS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Research Scientist I (RS I) within the Managed Care Plan Data Support Branch (MCPDSB).

The RS I will plan, organize, and carry out Epidemiology/Biostatistics scientific research studies of limited scientific scope and complexity for the PDRD, MCPDSB , in the Network Adequacy and Methods Unit. This will require ongoing scientific research and data analysis related to Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) programs in accordance with DHCS' specifications and requirements. Specifically, the incumbent will use Epidemiology/Biostatistics science theoretical models and research methods to plan, organize, and carry out scientific research and evaluation of network adequacy, establish statistical research methods, and access to effective and appropriate healthcare services and health outcomes for beneficiaries in the Medi-Cal healthcare system. The RS I will act as a resource/team lead to management, research staff,  and other DHCS staff as well as staff from program areas in requirements establishing adequacy, creating consistent method, data extraction, data quality investigations and documentation.

Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact  recruit@dhcs.ca.gov we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process! 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position offers a hybrid work schedule as outlined in the telework information section below; the amount of telework is based on the operational business needs. Beginning July 1, 2025, pursuant to Executive Order N-22-25 issued March 3, 2025, and California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Statewide Guidance issued March 13, 2025, DHCS team members generally will be required to report in-person a minimum of four days per week unless exempted/excepted.

CalHR Telework Definitions:

1. In Office – refers to all working days.
2. Hybrid – refers to some working days in office and other days telework.
3. Telework – refers to all working days at approved alternate work location.

Please see the Telework Information section below for telework details.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:

1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications  Research Scientist I .  See the Minimum Requirements section above.
2. Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.
3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
4. Once you have applied, take the  Research Scientist I (Epidemiology/Biostatistics) or Research Scientist I (Social/Behavioral Sciences) Exam.

Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree  and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.

Applicants must also include a Supplemental Application (SA) for this recruitment. Responses must be no longer than one page, single-spaced, formatted in 12-point Arial font, with one-inch margins. Statements of Qualifications cannot be used as a substitute for the Supplemental Application. 

Respond directly to the following Supplemental Application question(s):

1. Please describe the most complicated research project you completed, from the inception of the project to its completion. What were your data sources? Which statistical program(s) did you use? Which statistical tests did you conduct? How did you disseminate the final outcome of the research project: what publications and/or presentations resulted from this effort? What obstacles did you face when working on this project and how did you overcome them?  

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Seeking a creative team member with excellent trouble shooting and problem-solving skills. Someone who is able to work well independently and in groups. Someone who takes initiative and is dedicated to system improvement and automation of statistical process.
• Experience with research, analysis, and visualization of quantitative data.
• Experience and expertise with analytic software like: R Script, Python, ArcGIS, SAS, and SQL.
• Experience with health care service analytics and research.

Benefits

DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

• Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Defined retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's

provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.

We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

Additional Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Supplemental Application - To be considered for this position, you must complete and submit a Supplemental Application (SA). Directions for completing the SA are in the Supplemental Application Requirement Section above. Applications received without the SA will not be considered. Cover letters, general statements or resumes do not take place of the SA.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Remote job,

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