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About This Role
Job Posting: Epidemiologist
Department of Public Health
JC\-527821*
Epidemiologist
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF
$8,327\.00 \- $10,779\.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: 8/21/2026
### Job Description and Duties
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by using surveillance and other types of data to inform guidance and practices for tuberculosis (TB) control and prevention.
The Research Scientist Staff (RSS) designs, implements, and reports on applied research studies and analyses from a variety of data sources to address relevant TB control issues. The incumbent leads California TB\-related evaluation work, including serving as the state’s evaluation focal point to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national TB evaluation workgroup, and developing and reporting on CDC\-required evaluation plans. The RSS serves as a subject matter expert for the California TB Control Branch (TBCB) on national and state TB performance measures, with a deep understanding of how the performance measures are calculated and interpreted. The incumbent acts as the technical lead for epidemiology liaisons who respond to epidemiologic requests from California local TB programs and who contribute to program evaluation and improvement projects in partnership with specific local TB programs. The RSS also prepares, submits, and leads required reporting to CDC on performance measures and surveillance and epidemiology activities.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Public Health Medical Officer III, Chief of the Surveillance and Epidemiology Section (SES) of the Tuberculosis Control Branch (TBCB).
Position requires occasional in\-state travel between local jurisdictions and Richmond, and a biennial out of state trip to Atlanta, GA, up to 10%.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
### Working Conditions
Telework Information:
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200\. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.
Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.
### Position Details
Job Code \#:
JC\-527821
Position \#(s):
580\-450\-5594\-909
Working Title:
Epidemiologist
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF
$8,327\.00 \- $10,779\.00
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:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
### 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 for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
The Division of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC) works to promptly identify, prevent, and control infectious diseases that pose a threat to public health. This includes emerging and re\-emerging infectious diseases, vaccine\-preventable agents, bacterial toxins, bioterrorism, and pandemics.
The Tuberculosis Control Branch (TBCB) is comprised of a dedicated multi\-disciplinary team of public health professionals who provide leadership, guidance, and resources to control and eliminate tuberculosis in California.
The Surveillance and Epidemiology Section (SES) within TBCB collaborates with local health departments and other partners to collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate high quality data that supports and strengthens statewide efforts to eliminate tuberculosis and advance health equity.
Branch website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/TBCB.aspx
“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”
“CDPH is an E\-Verify Employer”
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
### Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts official or un\-official and/or Degree for education verification
For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process, and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678\) and/or Resume, including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information will experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.
A completed State application (STD. 678\) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control \# (527821\) and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678\) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareers Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. Submitting an electronic application through your CalCareers account is strongly recommended since electronic applications will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. Please submit only one application.
If you are unable to submit your application electronically through your CalCareers account, please email [email protected] for assistance and a CDPH Human Resources Division staff member will contact you to assist with the online application process or, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method as explained in the How to Apply section below. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
### Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/21/2026
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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
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).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678\) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Public Health
CCAU Mailing
Attn: Classification \& Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997378
MS 1700\-1702
Sacramento, CA 95899\-7378
Address for Drop\-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Public Health
CCAU Drop Off
Classification \& Certification Unit
1615 Capitol Avenue Suite 73\.430
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM \- 05:00 PM
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
- Statement of Qualifications \- Please see Statement of Qualifications*instructions below at end of posting*. Any applications received that *do not provide* a written response to the SOQ*may be rejected*.
- Other \- Cover letter: Please include a cover letter summarizing how your knowledge, skills, and experience make you a good candidate for this position. Please discuss any of the desirable qualifications that you meet. You do not need to repeat information included in the Statement of Qualifications but can refer to that statement where appropriate.
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.
### 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:
- Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis. Fluency in R or SAS.
- Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
- Skills in project management.
- Skills in data visualization using standard tools such as Tableau, PowerBI, RShiny, etc.
- Experience using SQL.
- Experience with public health program evaluation using standardized performance metrics.
- Experience working in a state or local health department.
- Knowledge and experience with tuberculosis.
- Experience with public health surveillance data.
### Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
### Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
(916\) 445\-0983
Hiring Unit Contact:
Tauryn Hodge
(916\) 449\-5406
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:
EEO Office
(916\) 445\-0938
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.
### Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Instructions:
To be considered for this position, interested candidates shall submit responses to the Statement of Qualifications as a part of the application package. Responses shall be no longer than two pages single\-spaced in 12 pt. font. Resumes and state applications will not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Applications received without a Statement of Qualifications may be rejected.
Please describe your professional scientific experience in the Research Scientist specialty (Epidemiology/Biostatistics). Include the start and end dates of each job (month and year), duties performed, and level of responsibility.
Please note, at least one year of work experience must include the following experience: journey level work (NOT entry level) including planning, organizing, and carrying out scientific research studies of moderate (as opposed to limited) scientific scope and complexity. May serve as a team member on projects and investigations within their program and act as a technical scientific consultant on a specific phase of a more complex scientific research study. Makes independent, difficult decisions within a specific scientific field using established guidelines and technical scientific procedures and adapts research methods to problems with limited scientific scope.
### 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.
Salary Context
This $99K-$129K range is in the lower quartile for Research Scientist roles in our dataset (median: $195K across 149 roles with salary data).
Role Details
About This Role
Research Scientists push the boundaries of what AI can do. They design experiments, develop novel architectures, publish papers, and translate research breakthroughs into production capabilities. This is where the fundamental advances happen, from attention mechanisms to diffusion models to reasoning chains.
The work is intellectually demanding and often ambiguous. You might spend months on an approach that doesn't pan out. The best research scientists combine deep mathematical intuition with engineering pragmatism. They know when to go deep on theory and when to run experiments. They read papers voraciously and can spot incremental contributions from genuine breakthroughs.
Across the 4,317 AI roles we're tracking, Research Scientist positions make up 4% of the market. At Department Of Public Health, this role fits into their broader AI and engineering organization.
Research Scientist roles are concentrated at major AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR) and well-funded AI startups. The competition is intense. PhD is effectively required for most positions, and publication track record matters. Compensation is among the highest in AI, reflecting both the scarcity of talent and the strategic importance of research breakthroughs.
What the Work Looks Like
A typical week includes: reading and discussing recent papers with your team, designing and running experiments on multi-GPU clusters, analyzing results and iterating on hypotheses, writing up findings for internal review or publication, and collaborating with engineering teams to productionize promising results. The ratio of thinking to coding is higher than in engineering roles.
Research Scientist roles are concentrated at major AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR) and well-funded AI startups. The competition is intense. PhD is effectively required for most positions, and publication track record matters. Compensation is among the highest in AI, reflecting both the scarcity of talent and the strategic importance of research breakthroughs.
Skills Required
PhD strongly preferred for most roles. Deep expertise in a specific area (NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, multimodal) is expected. PyTorch is the standard. Publication track record matters. Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, optimization, and information theory are assumed.
Beyond the fundamentals, companies value experience with large-scale distributed training, novel architecture design, and the ability to bridge theory and practice. Understanding of current frontier topics (reasoning, multimodal, long-context, alignment) is essential. Code quality matters more than many researchers expect. Labs want researchers who can implement their ideas cleanly.
Strong research postings specify the research area, mention the team you'd join, and describe the problems they're working on. They often list recent publications from the team. Vague 'AI research' postings without specifics usually mean the company wants to sound impressive but doesn't have a real research agenda.
Compensation Benchmarks
Research Scientist roles pay a median of $222,200 based on 378 positions with disclosed compensation. Senior-level AI roles across all categories have a median of $227,400. This role's midpoint ($114K) sits 48% below the category median. Disclosed range: $99K to $129K.
Across all AI roles, the market median is $215,000. Top-quartile compensation starts at $266,300. The 90th percentile reaches $320,790. For comparison, the highest-paying categories include AI Safety ($287,500) and Research Engineer ($272,100). By seniority level: Entry: $110,000; Mid: $194,400; Senior: $227,400; Director: $274,554; VP: $241,000.
Department Of Public Health AI Hiring
Department Of Public Health has 1 open AI role right now. They're hiring across Research Scientist. Based in CA, US. Compensation range: $129K - $129K.
Location Context
Across all AI roles, 15% (635 positions) offer remote work, while 3,657 require on-site attendance. Top AI hiring metros: New York (1,650 roles, $220,000 median); San Francisco (1,335 roles, $265,000 median); Los Angeles (708 roles, $214,112 median).
Career Path
Common paths into Research Scientist roles include PhD Student, Research Engineer, Postdoc.
From here, career progression typically leads toward Research Lead, Distinguished Scientist, VP of Research.
The PhD is the entry point for most paths. Choose your advisor and research area carefully since they'll define your first industry position. Publish consistently, contribute to open-source projects in your area, and build relationships at conferences. Industry research offers better compensation and compute resources than academia, but the pressure to show product impact is real.
What to Expect in Interviews
Research interviews are multi-stage: a research talk (present your best paper), technical deep-dives on your methodology, and often a 'research proposal' exercise where you design an experiment to test a hypothesis. Coding rounds test implementation ability alongside theoretical knowledge. Be prepared to implement a paper from scratch and discuss the design choices the authors made. Strong candidates can critique papers constructively and identify gaps in experimental methodology.
When evaluating opportunities: Strong research postings specify the research area, mention the team you'd join, and describe the problems they're working on. They often list recent publications from the team. Vague 'AI research' postings without specifics usually mean the company wants to sound impressive but doesn't have a real research agenda.
AI Hiring Overview
The AI job market has 4,317 open positions tracked in our dataset. By seniority: 138 entry-level, 2,071 mid-level, 1,655 senior, and 453 leadership roles (Director, VP, C-Level). Remote roles make up 15% of the market (635 positions). The remaining 3,657 roles require on-site or hybrid attendance.
The market median for AI roles is $215,000. Top-quartile compensation starts at $266,300. The 90th percentile reaches $320,790. Highest-paying categories: AI Safety ($287,500 median, 34 roles); Research Engineer ($272,100 median, 227 roles); AI Engineering Manager ($244,000 median, 23 roles).
Research Scientist roles are concentrated at major AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR) and well-funded AI startups. The competition is intense. PhD is effectively required for most positions, and publication track record matters. Compensation is among the highest in AI, reflecting both the scarcity of talent and the strategic importance of research breakthroughs.
The AI Job Market Today
The AI job market spans 4,317 open positions across 15 role categories. The largest categories by volume: AI/ML Engineer (3,004), Data Scientist (345), AI Software Engineer (309). These three account for the majority of open positions, though smaller categories often have higher per-role compensation because of specialized skill requirements.
The seniority mix tells a story about where AI teams are in their maturity. Entry-level roles (138) are outnumbered by mid-level (2,071) and senior (1,655) positions, reflecting that most companies are past the 'build a team from scratch' phase and need experienced engineers who can ship production systems. Leadership roles (Director, VP, C-Level) total 453 positions, representing the bottleneck between technical execution and organizational strategy.
Remote work availability sits at 15% of all AI roles (635 positions), with 3,657 requiring on-site or hybrid attendance. The remote share has stabilized after the post-pandemic correction. Senior and specialized roles (Research Scientist, ML Architect) are more likely to be remote-eligible than entry-level positions, partly because experienced hires have more negotiating power and partly because these roles require less hands-on mentorship.
AI compensation is structured in clear tiers. The market median sits at $215,000. Top-quartile roles start at $266,300, and the 90th percentile reaches $320,790. These figures include base salary with disclosed compensation. Total compensation (including equity, bonuses, and sign-on) runs 20-40% higher at companies that offer those components.
Category matters for compensation. AI Safety roles lead at $287,500 median, while Prompt Engineer roles sit at $145,000. The spread between highest and lowest-paying categories reflects the premium on specialized technical skills versus broader analytical roles.
The most in-demand skills across all AI postings: Python (2,249 postings), Aws (1,224 postings), Azure (938 postings), Rag (915 postings), Gcp (660 postings), Pytorch (640 postings), Prompt Engineering (624 postings), Kubernetes (559 postings). Python dominates, appearing in the vast majority of role descriptions regardless of category. Cloud platform experience (AWS, GCP, Azure) is the second most common requirement. The newer entrants to the top skills list (RAG, vector databases, LLM APIs) reflect the shift from traditional ML toward generative AI applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
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