Research Scientist

Job Description and Duties

* This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL), Berkeley provides the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) with expertise in method development, quality assurance, data evaluation and analysis of environmental samples. ECL also studies new chemicals of concern and provides DTSC management with analytical information for decision making.

As a Research Scientist you will have the opportunity to:

• Use standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other authoritative methods and laboratory technical system procedures (TSPs) to analyze environmental samples submitted by DTSC core programs and external entities
• Comply with the requirements in the Management System documents such as the Quality System Procedures (QSPs) and other relevant external documents to ensure defensibility of analytical results
• Process the acquired data, quantitates, reviews, and analyzes data
• Prepare analytical and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reports for submission
• Review and evaluate data packages generated by ECL for accuracy, completeness and adherence to quality control and quality assurance criteria

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Research experience working independently on projects
• Experience with mass spectrometry or other analytical techniques
• Experience with standard testing methods to test environmental samples preferred
• Experience working under quality management system
• Experience troubleshooting lab instrumentation

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

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 hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here .

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Department of Toxic Substances Control does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

The position is headquartered in Berkeley, CA.

Click the link below for a special message from Director Katie Butler on DTSC’s culture:

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Application Instructions

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), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed STD. 678 and application package to the mailing address provided above in the “Application Instructions” section. Applications must be postmarked on or before the final filing date.

For mail-in or drop-off applications, please include JC# 525782 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.

Pending Budget Approval - DTSC will obtain all necessary approvals prior to extending a job offer. 

Foreign Degrees

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degree/ transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at .

DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.).

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.