Clinical Chemistry Scientist

Job Description and Duties

The mission of GDSP is “to serve the people of California by reducing the emotional and financial burden of disability and death caused by genetic and congenital disorders” in support of CDPH’s mission “to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities.”

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as a Clinical Chemistry Scientist that is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting scientific research and clinical testing projects of moderate scientific scope and complexity. The role ensures that testing activities within the Technical/General Supervisor Section of the high-complexity Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified genetic screening laboratory are conducted in compliance with established quality assurance protocols. Testing is performed on dried blood spot, serum, plasma, and whole blood specimens from newborns to detect genetic disorders.

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor, Technical/General Supervisor and CLIA Laboratory Director and performs duties in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

The incumbent will be required at the time of appointment to:

• Hold a valid license as a California Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

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 #(534280)  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 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  View email address on calcareers.ca.gov  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.

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:

GDSP is looking for motivated candidates that have the following:

• Experience in scientific research discipline, primary focus on biochemistry.
• A strong work ethic, good interpersonal, and team-oriented skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptable and flexible to constant changes.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Well-organized and have a positive attitude and professional demeanor.

Benefits

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

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Attach the additional documents as part of the application package.

1. Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).  See instructions below.
2. A copy of your CA CLS license as a California Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.

Your SOQ must address the prompt below and it must be submitted in a separate Word document. Responses should not be longer than two pages, single-spaced, with 12 pt. font and 1-inch margins.

• Describe how your academic background meets the for the Research Scientist classification. In your response, identify your degree(s), relevant scientific specialty or closely related specialty and how they align with the scientific principles required for this classification.

PLEASE NOTE: Resumes, letters, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the SOQ.  Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Applications received without an SOQ will be rejected.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.