The Research Scientist IV includes the following specialties:

Research Scientist IV (Chemical Sciences)

Research Scientist IV (Epidemiology/Biostatistics)
Research Scientist IV (Food and Drug Sciences)

Research Scientist IV (Microbiological Sciences)

Research Scientist IV (Physical/Engineering Sciences)

Research Scientist IV (Social/Behavioral Sciences)

Research Scientist IV (Veterinary Sciences)

When completing the minimum qualifications page, you must fill in all applicable experience for each specialty (i.e., chemical, epidemiology/biostatistics, food and drug, microbiological, physical/engineering, social/behavioral, and veterinary sciences) that you wish to apply for. Once you have taken the exam and receive results, you will not be allowed to add any additional specialty or retake the exam for 12 months.

If you have tested for the Research Scientist IV classification as part of any of the specialties in the series within the previous 12 months, it may be too early for you to take this exam. Please check your CalCareer account for the retake date on your exam results notification for this classification BEFORE continuing this exam process. Retaking this exam under another or a new User I.D. and password, Social Security Number (voluntary, not required, information), or name is not allowed.

This is not a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS) - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

3374

For RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

• EX-03374

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

Education: The required degree must have been obtained from a recognized U.S. university or from a foreign university approved by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education under the provision of California Education Code Chapter 3, Part 59, Division 10.

Food and Drug Sciences

Meet the requirements to be commissioned by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to appointment to the position.

Veterinary Sciences

A valid license issued by a state Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine to practice as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be required prior to appointment.

Either 1

Experience: One year of experience in the California state service performing scientific research duties comparable to those of a Research Scientist III in the stated specialty or a closely related field. and

Education: Possession of a doctoral degree in the stated specialty or a closely related field.

Or 2

Experience: Four years of progressively responsible research experience in the stated specialty or in a closely related field. This experience must have included major responsibility for the design, conduct, and analysis of a large or highly complex and difficult research, and experience in the development, planning, and operation of a multidisciplinary, complex, and difficult research program involving coordination of several groups of disciplines, and preparation of major reports and scientific publications. (Possession of a recognized professional Board certification in the stated specialty or possession of a master's degree in Public Health or preventive medicine may be substituted for two years of the required experience.) At least one year of this experience must be at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Research Scientist III. and

Education: Possession of a doctoral degree in the stated specialty or in a closely related field.

Or 3

Experience: Four years of progressively responsible professional research experience in a field of medical specialization relevant to the stated specialty or in a closely related field. This experience must have included major responsibility for design, conduct, and analysis of complex research, or responsibility for the administration and coordination of large, complex multidisciplinary, or multi-institutional research programs. At least one year of this experience must be at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Research Scientist III. and

Education: Possession of the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

1. Current scientific research literature and trends applicable to the scientific research area
2. Principles and procedures of scientific research planning, design, methodology and analysis 
3. Methods of preparation of scientific research reports 
4. Scientific statistical methods and procedures 
5. Data processing techniques 
6. Bibliographic survey or previous related scientific research techniques 
7. Determination and qualification of variables and mechanization of compilation of scientific data

Ability to:

1. Evaluate the adequacy of proposed scientific research designs and techniques
2. Think independently and creatively
3. Establish and maintain cooperative relations with professional staff and with officials of Federal, State, local, university and private research organizations 
4. Communicate effectively 
5. Prepare scientific articles for publication
6. Prepare scientific reports 
7. Provide persuasive and skilled leadership to other staff in scientific research, principles and methods 
8. Apply professional scientific knowledge and administrative ability to resolve a variety of situations 
9. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action
10. Participate as a team member of public health research or scientific investigation projects
11. Make independent decisions in a very limited area of a scientific field
12. Provide information to higher-level scientists in support of decisions on scientific research 
13. Interpret scientific findings and present to higher-level scientists 
14. Apply established guidelines and scientific techniques
15. Serve as team leaders on small scientific projects
16. Make independent, difficult decisions in a specific scientific field
17. Plan, organize, and direct scientific research studies of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity
18. Serve as a team leader for complex public health research or scientific investigation projects
19. Serve as a consultant to other public health research scientists
20. Make health-based scientific decisions within the project scope
21. Apply expert scientific knowledge in their stated area of specialty
22. Work independently and develop scientific guidelines and technical procedures
23. Make recommendations to management on scientific health policy issues

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the RESEARCH SCIENTIST IV (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS) Classification will be established for:

• State of California

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
• A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Instructions:

Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question and provide relevant examples. Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your EDUCATION or WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer work that you have completed.

PLEASE NOTE: This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience. All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

Tasks:

1. Plan and organize major scientific research studies that are complex and have statewide sensitivity and policy impact.
2. Direct major scientific research studies that are complex and have statewide sensitivity and policy impact.
3. Serve as a team member on health projects and investigations within a program on a specific phase of a more complex scientific research study.
4. Act as a technical scientific consultant on health projects and investigations within a program on a specific phase of a more complex scientific research study.
5. Serve as a scientific advisors to other lower-level scientists conducting studies in a specific scientific field.
6. Serve as a consultant to other lower-level scientists conducting studies in a specific scientific field.
7. Solve problems using standard principles, procedures, and techniques for a scientific area of expertise.
8. Make original, independent decisions on complex scientific problems using scientific theories.
9. Make original, independent decisions on complex scientific problems using principles on association and risk.
10. Apply methods, techniques, and procedures to carry out assignments.
11. Conduct highly specialized phases of a major scientific project or investigation of sufficient scope to require coordination with other State, local, or Federal agencies.
12. Present scientific research or investigations in peer reviewed scientific journals.
13. Publish research in peer reviewed scientific journals.
14. Conceive and plan scientific research work of large scope on a statewide or national basis that has extreme difficulty and complexity in unexplored areas.
15. Conduct scientific research work of large scope on a statewide or national basis that has extreme difficulty and complexity in unexplored areas.
16. Consult with department management and others in areas appropriate to their qualifications and participate in the development of health policy.
17. Act as a subject-matter expert in conducting health scientific research that has the potential for adverse health impact on community health.
18. Provide interpretations of scientific research findings for use by others.
19. Evaluate project status, provide feedback and help make decisions on the progress of projects.
20. Increase public awareness of State scientific work through participants in public forums and outreach.
21. Draft grant proposals for external funding.
22. Present results of scientific research (in oral or poster) at recognized scientific research meetings.
23. Help develop cooperative research partnership through working relationships with local, State, and Federal agencies.
24. Participate on workgroups, committees, and advisory bodies both internal and external.
25. Apply principles and procedures of scientific research planning, design, methodology and analysis.
26. Use methods of preparation for scientific research reports.
27. Utilize scientific statistical methods and procedures.
28. Apply data processing techniques.
29. Determine, qualify and compile variables of scientific data.
30. Use scientific research literature and trends applicable to the scientific research area.
31. Apply methods and techniques for selecting appropriate samples for assessment, whether population-based or environment.
32. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with professional staff and with officials of Federal, State, local, university and private research organizations.
33. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to peer, management, and lay audiences.
34. Prepare scientific articles and reports for publication.
35. Provide persuasive and skilled leadership to other staff in scientific research, principles and methods.
36. Apply professional scientific knowledge and administrative ability to resolve a variety of situations.
37. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
38. Provide information to higher-level scientists in support of decisions on scientific research.
39. Apply established guidelines and scientific techniques.
40. Evaluate the adequacy of proposed scientific research designs and techniques.
41. Serve as a team leader on small scientific projects.
42. Serve as a team member of health research or scientific investigation projects.
43. Plan and organize scientific research studies of a highly develop scientific scope of complexity.
44. Direct scientific research studies of a highly develop scientific scope of complexity.
45. Serve as a consultant to other research scientists.
46. Make independent, difficult decisions in a specific scientific field.
47. Work independently and develop scientific guidelines and technical procedures.
48. Make recommendations to management on scientific health policy issues.
49. Communicate and form professional working relationships with the leading scientists and principle investigators in the field.
50. Review work by analysts and recommend outcomes.
51. Make clear and effective oral presentations during outreach sessions.
52. Meet project objectives in a timely manner.
53. Determine and perform appropriate data analysis.
54. Independently research current health trends related to a group area of research and, under supervision of more experienced scientists, suggest and design studies.

• State of California

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

State of California reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.