Microbiology and Biomonitoring Section Chief | Research Scientist Supervisor II (Chemical Sciences), JC-460607

Department InformationAt the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in California, and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.The Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) is based on the Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people.The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success.The Drinking Water & Radiation Laboratory (DWRL) has two Sections, Microbiology & Biomonitoring Section (MBS) and Chemistry & Radiochemistry Section (CRS). DWRL is staffed with approximately 35 professional scientists, technicians, and admin support personnel who support a variety of Public Health programs by conducting special studies and by providing scientific expertise and laboratory services. DWRL provides environmental radiation/radiochemistry measurements, testing marine biotoxins in shellfish, researching emerging chemical contaminants of public health concerns, testing of opioids and illicit drug residues, and is an accredited clinical laboratory for testing toxic substances and their metabolites in human specimens. DWRL conducts surveillance of wastewater to detect viral and bacterial diseases to protect, maintain and advance public health readiness against known and emerging infectious disease threats and does water testing for microbial pathogens and indicator organisms. DWRL is located in a state-of-the-art, 500,000 square foot facility located a few blocks from the San Francisco Bay at the CDPH Richmond Campus.Job Description And DutiesIncumbents in one of these classifications, where a Master’s Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 2% of their monthly base pay. Those where a Doctoral Degree is a required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 3% of their monthly base pay. Individuals with both a Master’s and Doctoral Degree will be given the best benefit in relation to salary shall only be eligible for only one amount.This position supports the CDPH Center for Laboratory Science’s mission and strategic plan by protecting the public’s health by enhancing California’s resilience to current and emerging health threats, promoting health and wellness by advancing protective measures and reducing risk, and by strengthening the Public Health workforce through recruitment and development and talent acquisition. All of these contribute to CDPH’s Mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities.The Research Scientist Supervisor II (Chemical Sciences) (RSS II (CS)) conceives, plans, and directs major and complex Emergency Response, Emergency Response Preparedness, Biomonitoring, Environmental Microbiology, and Water Quality research studies that have broad statewide and national impact. Develops, plans, and organizes long-range program studies that cover a broad scope of activities including: (1) maintaining and improving analytical services in environmental microbiology and water quality parameters, (2) developing and validating methods to determine metabolites of chemical agents and toxins in blood and urine as required in emergency response, (3) oversee human biomonitoring analyses to establish links between chemical body burdens and disease states, (4) development of broad scope methods for detection, identification and quantification of emerging illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals, and (5) provide Section oversight, progress reporting and planning as required. Exercises supervision of two Research Scientist Supervisor I in Biomonitoring Unit and Microbiology Unit, and management and oversight of various levels of laboratory staff including both scientists, (chemists and microbiologists) and administrative staff as well as contract employees.While emergencies have been very infrequent or rare in the past, the RS III (CS)’s general availability to work is needed 24/7. This availability is required for certain unexpected or unscheduled laboratory operations, and thus 24/7 availability is one condition upon which filling this vacancy rests.The position requires 5% out-of-state travel to program-sponsored meetings, scientific conferences, and specialized training.This laboratory is required to be in compliance with the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).The RSS II (CS) supervises high complexity testing and must possess a current Clinical Toxicologist license, Clinical Chemist license, or an accepted equivalent clinical license issued by the State of California.The incumbent works under the broad administrative direction of the Research Scientist Manager (Chemical Sciences) (RSM (CS)) of the Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch (DWRLB).Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) InstructionsPlease provide a response to the Supplemental Questionnaire below.Limit your response to one (1) page or less per question (Font: Arial, size 11).• This position requires coordination of technical teams completing complex research and evaluation activities. Briefly summarize your experience leading or coordinating scientific teams, including tools/method you have found effective.• Describe your experience as a scientific subject matter expert. Indicate areas of expertise, consultation examples, independence of action, impact of your ideas & evidence of success.• Describe experience training scientists in highly complex methods/instruments. Where and what area of expertise were you a trainer, subject matter/techniques taught, teaching approach/methods to establish effectiveness.• Describe your role in the quality system, level of responsibility for data quality, review of data packages & example(s) of corrective actions implemented.PLEASE NOTE: Resumes, letters, Statement of Qualifications, transcripts, degrees, your state application, cover letters and other materials will not take the place of the Supplemental Questionnaire. Simply copying and pasting your resume will also not be accepted. Applications received without an SQ may be rejected.The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.Final Filing Date: 1/10/2025Job Code #: JC-460607Position #(s): 580-722-5650-909Working Title: Microbiology and Biomonitoring Section ChiefClassification: RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR II (CHEMICAL SCIENCES)$10,933.00 - $14,019.00Work Location: Contra Costa CountyTelework: In OfficeJob Type: Permanent, Full TimeShould you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at Apply@cdph.ca.gov or (916) 445-0983.