Clinical Informatics Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary:

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Office of Data Strategy is recruiting for a Clinical Informatics Specialist III's to join an innovative team advancing CDPH's enterprise data modernization efforts. The incumbent will apply advanced data engineering and informatics expertise within a cloud-native data environment (primarily Databricks, leveraging Apache Spark and Delta Lake for big-data processing and storage) to design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines and enterprise data marts that support public health program operations, analytics, and strategic decision-making.

The incumbent will serve as a core member of a cross-functional team, collaborating closely with data scientists, analysts, informaticians, and public health program partners to deliver high-quality, well-governed, and interoperable data products.

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing, developing, testing, and maintaining scalable data pipelines and enterprise data marts in Databricks using SQL, Python, and PySpark.
• Supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of enhanced public health surveillance and operational data systems.
• Creating standardized, reusable data models and curated datasets that serve multiple programmatic and analytical use cases.
• Improving interoperability and alignment across CDPH data systems and integrating solutions with local health jurisdictions (LHJs) and other partners.
• Ensuring efficient, secure, and automated ingestion, transformation, storage, and distribution of data from diverse surveillance and non-surveillance sources.
• Participating in complex data architecture, data modeling, and data quality assurance and improvement activities.
• Contributing to development and maintenance of tools, frameworks, and monitoring capabilities that support reliable, high-quality data pipelines.
• Innovating and prototyping new engineering approaches to meet evolving stakeholder needs and improve scalability, performance, and maintainability of CDPH data infrastructure.
• This position requires strong programming and data engineering skills (SQL, Python, and/or PySpark), experience with Databricks or similar cloud platforms, and applied informatics knowledge to support data modeling, dataset curation, data governance, and data quality processes.

Department Summary:

UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS) is dedicated to improving health and reducing the burden of disease in the world's most vulnerable populations. It integrates UCSF expertise in all of the health, social, and biological sciences, and focuses that expertise on pressing issues in global health. IGHS works with partners in countries throughout the world to achieve these aims. IGHS seeks to improve health worldwide, especially in developing countries, through research that informs policy.

IGHS is committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment as we work towards becoming an anti-racist organization. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please see our statement on anti-racism here:


The California Department of Public Health's Office of Data Strategy (ODS) leads enterprise-wide data modernization efforts to advance public health outcomes statewide. ODS is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable, secure, and interoperable data systems that support public health program operations, analytics, and strategic decision-making. ODS collaborates with internal CDPH programs, Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs), and external partners to ensure efficient data integration, governance, and quality. The office fosters innovation in data engineering, analytics, and informatics, supporting initiatives such as enhanced surveillance, operational data systems, and public health response. ODS is committed to equity, transparency, and continuous improvement, empowering teams to deliver high-quality data products and actionable insights for California's public health ecosystem.

Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)
35Yes
Works with business, technical, and clinical personnel to develop and implement complex clinical informatics solutions and to create integrated architecture to ensure optimal use of tools and components.

Informatics System/Data Engineering, Development, Monitoring, and Testing:

Collaborates with senior engineering staff, the Clinical Informatics Specialist 4, and other Office of Data Strategy personnel to design, implement, and maintain highly complex public health data systems and pipelines. Ensures that systems and enterprise data marts are built for scalability, interoperability, reliability, and ease of use within a modern cloud environment (e.g., Databricks, Delta Lake, cloud storage).

Works closely with subject-matter experts and technical teams to translate public health program workflows and data needs into technical requirements. Develops and maintains ingestion, transformation, and curation logic using SQL, Python, PySpark, or related technologies. Performs advanced quality assurance testing, validation, and monitoring of data pipelines to ensure data accuracy, reliability, security, and confidentiality.

Troubleshoots and resolves technical and data-quality issues across integrated data systems. Develops dashboards, metrics, and monitoring tools to track pipeline performance and inform decisions about system enhancements.

Sample projects include:

• Designing and implementing high-volume ingestion pipelines

• Designing and maintaining enterprise data marts


• Developing applications, dashboards, and tools for pipeline monitoring, data quality, and operational transparency.
35Yes
Collaborates closely with business operations, healthcare clinicians, and IT applications and technical teams to translate operations workflow and patient experience objectives into technical requirements.

Data System Management and Coordination

Develops and maintains deep familiarity with CDPH's data systems, data elements, and metadata structures to promote consistency, alignment, and interoperability across programs. Designs, implements, and maintains complex cloud-based data pipelines and transformation logic using SQL, Python, PySpark, R, or related tools.

Develops and maintains technical documentation, including data models, workflow diagrams, pipeline specifications, metadata, and operational runbooks to support ongoing maintenance and reuse. Automates data ingestion, validation, quality checks, and reporting processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload.

Provides coordination and guidance to internal CDPH programs and Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) on topics related to data management, data quality, matching, linkage, and dissemination.

Recommends best practices and establishes protocols for producing routine and ad hoc analytical data products using multisource data integrations. Contributes to the development of dynamic dashboards (e.g., R/Shiny, Databricks SQL dashboards, Tableau) to support operational awareness and public health action.

Serves on multidisciplinary project teams to support data architecture planning and the development of scalable, cost-effective solutions that meet evolving programmatic and technical needs.
10Yes
Works on project teams that include business and clinical staff to improve clinical informatics planning and systems and to develop metrics and analytics that support health management in making decisions for upgrades and modifications that are cost- effective, scalable, and meet present and future needs.

Data Systems and Informatics Support

Serves as a technical resource for data engineering, informatics, and data management needs across the Office of Data Strategy. Writes and optimizes SQL queries, Python/PySpark transformations, R scripts, and related code to support pipeline optimization, data access, and data integration across multiple systems.

Provides advanced troubleshooting and issue resolution for data ingestion processes, cloud-based pipelines, automated jobs, and system integrations. Supports improvements to data structures and workflows related to communicable disease data systems by recommending and implementing enhancements that strengthen data quality, automation, and performance.

Develops and maintains technical documentation, operational procedures, and training materials to support internal teams and external partners. Performs complex quality assurance and data validation activities, ensuring pipeline outputs are accurate, timely, and aligned with data governance standards.
10Yes
Performs quality assurance testing of complex scope, runs SQL (Structured Query Language) queries for enhanced medical data access, and writes and maintains appropriate documentation of design and deployment processes, workflows, and results.

Informatics/Data Engineering Liaison

Serves as a technical liaison between the Office of Data Strategy, CDPH programs, and external partners to support adoption of modern data engineering practices, tools, and standards. Provides guidance on data security, confidentiality, metadata practices, and cloud data management.

Conducts routine data quality assurance activities and recommends improvements to data architecture, pipeline design, and system functionality. Supports production of dashboards and automated reports that promote transparency, operational awareness, and program decision-making.

Participates in departmental and programmatic strategic planning efforts, including initiatives related to racial equity, data modernization, and emergency response. Ensures timely completion of engineering-related project deliverables and fosters adoption of scalable, efficient, and well-designed data solutions.
5YesProvides support, troubleshooting, and problem solving at an advanced level, and may produce and deliver user training curricula and system documentation to support internal and external partners. Ensures successful completion of project deliverables.5YesContributes to preparation of dashboards and automated reports. Participates in departmental and programmatic strategic planning and other related initiatives (such as in support of racial equity and emergency response).100% (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health care information technology, computer science, or related area, and / or equivalent combination of experience / training PLUS either 3 years of experience in computer or data pipeline programming and database management, OR 3 years working in public health
• Strong skills associated with statistical analysis, database management and systems programming, including SQL, R, Python, and/or experience with Apache Spark language APIs (e.g. PySpark, sparklyr).
• Experience with Databricks, Delta Lake, or cloud-based data lake architectures.
• Broadly encompassing or in-depth knowledge of clinical, health systems, health analytics, or public health informatics.
• Thorough knowledge of all relevant clinical or public health informatics software and systems, and of the highly complex concepts, principles, policies, methodologies, techniques, best practices, regulations, and standards practices involved with health systems, health analytics, public health surveillance or electronic medical data management.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to quickly analyze problems, determine appropriate level of intervention, and develop and apply effective solutions, collect and analyze system performance data, and produce substantive reports and analyses
• Strong problem-resolution skills, with the ability to quickly diagnose problems, and develop, test, and implement appropriate and effective solutions in a timely manner
• Ability to work with senior staff and managers in clinical information technology, health care management, and business analytics, serving as a technical resource and providing advice and counsel on issues of functionality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, policy, and performance
• Experience using version control systems (e.g., Git) for collaborative development and code management.
• Strong ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in computer science, informatics, public health, biostatistics, epidemiology or epidemiology and biostatistics and / or equivalent combination of experience / training PLUS either 1 year of experience in computer or data pipeline programming and database management, OR 1 year working in public health
• Detail oriented, with proven ability to effectively manage time, see projects through to completion, organize competing priorities, and effectively address complex, urgent issues as they arise
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate productively, work in a team environment, and to train and support clinical informatics users at all professional and technical levels throughout the medical center
• Strong ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to public health surveillance, epidemiology, informatics, program evaluation, or research.
• Demonstrated proficiency relating to logical data design, data warehouse design, data integration, and data modeling.

About Us

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information


The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.


Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.


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