Job Posting: Molecular Immuno-Serology Section Chief (Microbiologist)

Department of Public Health

JC-536611
-
Molecular Immuno-Serology Section Chief (Microbiologist)
RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR II

$11,655.00 - $15,017.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing supervision of the Molecular Immuno-Serology Section. The incumbent provides administrative guidance and leadership in planning, organizing, and directing difficult and complex major original scientific research studies or public health investigations that have broad statewide scientific scope, high sensitivity, and policy impact in the area of viral diagnostic and surveillance testing.      

The incumbent works under the direction of the Branch Chief (Research Scientist Manager) of the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) Branch.

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

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

 

Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

 

The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536611
Position #(s):
580-732-5651-003
Working Title:
Molecular Immuno-Serology Section Chief (Microbiologist)
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR II
$11,655.00 - $15,017.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Contra Costa County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

At 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 Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory Program (VRDL) is one of the longest-standing and largest state public health virology laboratories in the United States, As a CLIA-certified state public health laboratory performing high-complexity testing, the VRDL serves as the reference laboratory for local public health laboratories and other clients, provides primary testing for jurisdictions without their own laboratory capability, and conducts research to advance public health diagnostics and science. The VRDL also functions as an advanced reference laboratory within the federal Laboratory Response Network and coordinates several statewide laboratory testing networks, including the Respiratory Laboratory Network and the Measles Laboratory Network. In support of statewide public health, the VRDL provides laboratory testing, technical consultation, training and assistance, and conducts research essential for diagnosis, investigation, surveillance, and control of viral and rickettsial diseases of public health importance.

 

“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”   

 

“The CDPH is currently an E-Verify employer. ”   

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov

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 # (536611) 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 apply@cdph.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.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 11/6/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

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 CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Public Health
CCAU Mailing
Attn: Classification & Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997378
MS 1700-1702
Sacramento, CA 95899-7378

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Public Health
CCAU Drop Off
Classification & Certification Unit
1615 Capitol Avenue Suite 73.430
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 -

    Please see Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) instructions below at end of posting. Applications received without a written response to the SOQ may be rejected.

  • Other -

    Please see Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) instructions below at end of posting. Applications received without a written response to the SQ may be rejected.

     

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:

  • substantial public health laboratory experience in a leadership role, preferably in virology, with demonstrated expertise in both conventional and advanced technologies for detecting viruses and other pathogens of public health significance.
  • at least 8–10 years of progressively responsible, hands-on laboratory experience, including training staff in highly complex techniques and instrumentation.
  • capable of managing a diverse portfolio of public health laboratory services and ensuring efficient delivery of reliable testing.
  • possess strong knowledge of laboratory quality management systems, support the health and safety of Section staff, and demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills.
  • professional demeanor and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
(916) 445-0983
apply@cdph.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Elisa Nucum-Snell
(510) 412-6052
elisa.nucum-snell@cdph.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 445-0938
CivilRights@Cdph.CA.gov
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.

Statement of Qualifications

Limit your response to one (1) page or less (Font: Arial, size 12). List your full name and the date on the page.  Responses that do not conform to these specifications may be disqualified.  

Please describe your professional scientific experience in the Research Scientist specialty(s) (Microbiological Sciences). Include the start and end dates of each job (month and year), duties performed, and level of responsibility.

 

Please note, at least two years of work experience must include the following experience: advanced journey level work including planning, organizing, and directing major, complex scientific research studies with statewide sensitivity and policy impact. Making original, independent decisions on complex scientific problems using scientific theories and principles on association and risk, develop and test hypotheses on causes. Conceiving, planning, developing, and conducting large and complex, professional scientific research studies on a statewide or national basis in unexplored areas of research. Providing evaluations and scientific recommendations as a scientific expert. Seeking and analyzing scientific, technical, medical, environmental, and other relevant information from sources within and outside the organization as part of the decision-making process. Participating in the development of public policies in various scientific specialties. Providing consultation to departmental management and others as requested. Presenting to experts and the community on the scientific research conducted. Publishing research in scientific journals. Acting as a subject-matter expert in various scientific specialties. Providing interpretations of scientific research findings for use by others. Acting as an expert witness in legal proceedings.

 

OR

 

Supervisory level work including providing administrative guidance and direction to subordinates. Planning, organizing, and directing major scientific research studies or investigations of a broad scientific scope and complexity. Making independent decisions within their scientific specialty. Serving as advisors or consultants to other scientists within their specific scientific specialty. Adapting methods, techniques, and procedures to carry out assignments. Conducting highly specialized phases of a major scientific project or investigation of sufficient scope which requires coordination with professional staff from other state, local, or federal agencies, academia or international collaborators. Publishing or presenting scientific research or investigations to scientific experts and the community. Providing interpretations of scientific research projects. Contributing to the development of policy. Recruiting, training, developing, and supervising appropriate research personnel. Representing the department in promoting, explaining, and coordinating scientific research. Serving as an expert witness.

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

Supplemental Questionnaire

Limit your response to one (1) page or less per question (Font: Arial, size 12). List your full name and the date on each page.  Responses that do not conform to these specifications may be disqualified. There are three (3) supplemental questions to respond to:

  1. Describe your experience developing or implementing advanced immunologic or molecular diagnostic assays for viral pathogens.
  2. Describe a viral pathogen or diagnostic assay platform you have worked with extensively, and explain the specific role you played in developing, implementing, or optimizing that work.
  3. Describe a time when you developed or validated a complex laboratory method. What specific challenges arose during the process, and how did you address and resolve them?

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job