Research Scientist

Job Title and Department Vendor Analysis, Research, and Evaluation Section Chief (Social/Behavioral Sciences) – Department of Public Health Job Code: JC-517901 Position: RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I Salary: $9,578.00 - $12,343.00 per Month Final Filing Date: 5/25/2026 Job Description and Duties Incumbents in this classification who meet the minimum qualifications with a Master’s Degree shall receive an educational pay differential of 2% of their monthly base pay. If a Doctoral Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, the differential is 3%. Individuals with both degrees will be eligible for the best applicable amount. The incumbent works under the general direction of the Chief, Data and Integrity Branch, Research Scientist Supervisor II. The Research Scientist Supervisor I will lead the Vendor Analysis, Research, and Evaluation (VARE) Section in the research analysis, monitoring, evaluating, reporting, and dissemination of WIC vendor, program, and policy data to support efforts to maximize the utilization of benefits by WIC-eligible individuals, address racial and health equity issues, and maximize positive programmatic health and nutrition outcomes. Responsibilities include assessing and leveraging Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) data, developing a data analytics plan to contain costs and maximize health outcomes, ensuring data accessibility and trust, developing and investing in team talent, supporting program integrity initiatives, and collaborating with internal and external partners to support data-informed decision making and policy development. The incumbent participates as a member of the WIC Division management team and contributes to Division-level data-informed decision making. The manager is responsible for the operation, technical guidance, and supervision of the VARE Section. This position may be eligible for telework. Telework is at the department’s discretion and subject to change, consistent with the CDPH Telework Program. California residency is required for telework; candidates outside California may be interviewed but must establish California residency prior to appointment. Telework eligibility may be rescinded if requirements are not met. Travel may be required. Travel reimbursements follow the designated headquarters, regulations, and bargaining unit provisions. The headquarters office location is identified in the attached duty statement. Please note: details about how to apply are provided in the duty statement and related documents. Minimum Requirements The Minimum Requirements are described in the Class Specification. Refer to RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I for specifics. RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I Position Details Job Code #: JC-517901 Position #(s): 580-510-5643-003 Working Title: Vendor Analysis, Research, and Evaluation Section Chief (Social/Behavioral Sciences) Classification: RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR I Salary: $9,578.00 - $12,343.00 Number of Positions: 1 Work Location: Sacramento County Telework: Hybrid Job Type: Permanent, Full Time Department Information The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) has been part of the nation’s nutrition safety net for 50 years. WIC supports healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding, and referrals to healthcare and other services. WIC serves babies and children up to age five, pregnant women, and new mothers, with access for families across California. The WIC Division works to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities through data-driven programs. Special Requirements To be considered, submit copies of official or unofficial college transcripts and/or degree for education verification. Include complete employment history with detailed job descriptions, hours per week, and start/end dates on the STD 678 or Resume. Submit a completed State application and other required documents electronically via CalCareers. Reference Job Control # 517901 and indicate eligibility basis in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s). SROA and surplus candidates should include related documents. Remove confidential information before submission. Complete packages must be submitted to apply. If submitting hard copy, use the address or drop-off instructions provided in the posting. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring process should request accommodations when contacted to schedule an interview. Questions regarding accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed in this posting. Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date. Final Filing Date: 5/25/2026. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification. See the posting for how to apply, including mailing or drop-off addresses as applicable. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate’s ability, the following factors will be used to competitively evaluate candidates: Ability to work independently and in a team environment Handle sensitive and confidential issues Effective communication with staff, external agencies, and the public Verbal and written communication, including editing documents Public health program planning, management, and evaluation Analyzing complex situations and guiding others Managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment Leading workgroups and projects Creating processes and procedures based on policy and regulations Data analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of program impacts Handling sensitive issues Experience in facilities management, business operations, procurement, coordinating with others, and prioritizing deadlines is desirable. Knowledge of state and federal policies related to WIC, project management, data-driven decision-making, public health principles, and leadership techniques. Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR and CalPERS websites. Contact Information The Human Resources and Hiring Unit contacts are available to answer questions about the application and position. Department Website: cdph.ca.gov Human Resources: View phone number on click.appcast.io · View email address on click.appcast.io Hiring Contact: Jimmy Saechao · View phone number on click.appcast.io · View email address on click.appcast.io Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is scheduled. For EEO or other questions, contact the EEO Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Supplemental Questionnaire The completed Supplemental Questionnaire is required and must be submitted with the application. Answers should be concise and formatted as one page per question with the applicant’s name. Include the question and number the responses. Do not attach resumes or other documents as responses. Questions: Describe how your experience and knowledge qualify you to perform the tasks specified in the duty statement. Describe your leadership style, strengths, areas for improvement, and overall impact as a leader. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. The State maintains a drug-free workplace policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr