Senior Pharmaceutical Data Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the Pharmaceutical Policy Manager, the Senior Pharmaceutical Data Specialist applies advanced research methodologies, expert data analysis, and independent judgment to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of P3B and CalRx programmatic operations and strategies, including those to ensure equitable access.

The incumbent functions as a specialist for research and data projects, plans, designs, and carries out research projects; identifies data needs; gathers and analyzes structured and unstructured data; and develops findings and recommendations to support CalRx program decisions. The incumbent applies advanced research methods to evaluate program outcomes, market dynamics, access barriers, and policy impacts. The incumbent develops high-impact policy and operational recommendations that shape CalRx’s strategy, guide program implementation, inform vendor and partnership decisions and access to affordable and critical prescription drugs throughout the state.

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 Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025 , visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

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Working Conditions

HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.

HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped pay-per-charge electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices.

HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.

Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.

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:

Research Data Specialist II

• At least 3 years of experience conducting complex data analysis and research
• At least 3 years of experience in the health care, pharmaceutical, or public health sector(s)
• At least 2 years of experience communicating findings in data to internal team members and external partners/stakeholders
• At least 2 years of experience using SQL for data analysis or coding
• At least 2 years of experience managing time spent across multiple complex projects
• Experience working with pharmaceutical data

Research Data Specialist I

• At least 1 year of experience conducting complex data analysis and research
• At least 2 years of experience in the health care, pharmaceutical, or public health sector(s)
• At least 1 year of experience communicating findings in data to internal team members and external partners/stakeholders
• At least 1 year of experience using SQL for data analysis or coding
• At least 1 year of experience managing time spent across multiple complex projects
• Experience working with healthcare data

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR Benefits Website .

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at View phone number on us.fitly.work.

Additional Application Requirements

To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations completed by agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or by current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply for this position. The SOQ is a separate document that must have the applicant's Name and Job Control number noted on the top right corner. Responses must be typed and limited to two pages, in Arial font not smaller than size 11. Please address the following and include the questions in the SOQ:
  1. After reviewing the duty statement, detail how your experience, education, and training directly align with the requirements of this position.
  2. Why do you believe prescription drug affordability and access are important?
  3. Describe an instance when you had to investigate a problem using data. What did your process look like from start to finish? What were your takeaways from the experience?
  
  To support fair hiring, applicants should prepare their application materials using their own knowledge, experience, and skills. Your responses should show your own qualifications and work history. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should only be used responsibly.