Research Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Have you wondered how CDFW keeps California’s fish population healthy? The CDFW Fish Health Laboratory is searching for an enthusiastic person for a Limited-term Research Scientist to provide laboratory support in fish health. Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor II, the Limited-term Research Scientist will plan, perform, and analyze molecular assays and general bacteriology projects. This includes designing and performance analysis to improved pathogen detection methods and the application for captive and wild fish populations. Other duties include assisting with fish health investigations, assessments, and certification of captive and wild fish populations, reviewing permits for importation and restrictive species, creating and updating standard operating procedures, and database management.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program.

Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

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This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

Link to Class Title Exam: Research Scientist / Exam Bulletin

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Position is primarily focused on performing laboratory analysis techniques, data analyses, and management, which often require sitting or standing for long periods of time and maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

• Work several hours at a time in a laboratory setting (both standing and sitting).

• Work several hours at a time in an office setting (both standing and sitting) on a computer.

• Typical working hours are 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Mon-Fri. Occasional fieldwork and time sensitive projects may require travel outside of normal business hours.

• Occasional travel (up to 10%), including overnight or multi- day travel, operating Department vehicles to remote locations when working with fish hatcheries, wild fish, and time sensitive projects.

• Possession of a valid State Driver’s License is required to operate state vehicles to remote locations when working with hatcheries, wild fishes to complete field work, and time sensitive projects.

• Ability to walk on steep or uneven terrain to reach field work sites

• Ability to lift 25 pounds.

• Telework available in compliance with Department policies.

Special Requirements

This position requires the lifting of 25 pounds and walking on uneven surfaces on occasion.

The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial).

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:

Experience in scientific research discipline, primary focus on molecular techinques such as Polymerase chain reaction, direct fluorescent antibody testing, bacteriology, virology, etc.

Interpersonal Skills:

- The ability to lead small scientific projects.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-033-5582-905and RPA Number E-FB 25-032in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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.