Job Posting: Quality and Performance Researcher (Hybrid)

Department of Health Care Services

JC-530644
-
Quality and Performance Researcher (Hybrid)
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF

$8,327.00 - $10,779.00 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: 9/15/2026

Job Description and Duties

Why Join DHCS?

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:

 

The Enterprise Data and Information Management (EDIM), Data Analytics Division (DAD) at the California DHCS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Research Scientist Staff (RS Staff) within the Quality and Performance Reporting Unit (QPRU).

As part of the Enterprise Data and Information Management organization the RS Staff works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RS Sup I), Chief of the QPRU in support of the Medi-Cal program and the overall Department mission to provide Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care. The RS Staff will apply sociological, behavioral, survey techniques, theoretical models and research methods to plan, organize, and direct scientific research studies of a highly developed scientific scope and complexity and apply scientific approaches to critically evaluate health care utilization, quality of care, and access to effective and appropriate healthcare services and health outcomes for beneficiaries in the Medi-Cal healthcare system. The RS Staff will act as a resource/team lead to management and research staff for complex advanced research and statistical analysis, often involving large-scale linkage of multiple data sources within or outside the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) such as the California Immunization Registry (CAIR), Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
patient discharge databases, vital statistics birth records, and others.


Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position for current California civil service employees. T&D assignments cannot exceed 24 months. However, successful T&D candidates may transition to a permanent appointment, if eligible at the end of the T&D assignment.

This position has been advertised as limited term and is expected to last 12 months; it may become permanent or be extended.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact recruit@dhcs.ca.gov we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process! 

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

Working Conditions

Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-530644
Position #(s):
803-396-5594-920
Working Title:
Quality and Performance Researcher (Hybrid)
Classification:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST STAFF
$8,327.00 - $10,779.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.

DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and in our communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.

Take a look at some of the DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom. 

The DAD's mission is to describe and analyze data to answer questions that can be used to meet business objectives and drive decision-making.


All hires pending HR approval.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps

If you are interested in this position, complete the following these simple steps:

  1. Review the education and experience minimum qualifications Research Scientist Staff. See the Minimum Requirements section above.
  2. Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.
  3. Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.
  4. Once you have applied, take the Research Scientist Staff Exam.
Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.

Supplemental Application

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete and submit the following Supplemental Application (SA). Your response must be no longer than one page, single-spaced, formatted in 12-point font, with one-inch margins. Statements of Qualifications cannot be used as a substitute for the Supplemental Application.

1. Please describe your approach and experience completing a large-scale health care service, population health, or performance measurement research project.

2. Please describe your knowledge and experience working with SQL, SAS, Excel, and /or other analytic, business intelligence, or visualization software used for analytic, data management, or reporting initiatives. 

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: 9/15/2026

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 Health Care Services
Mailing
Attn: Certification Technician JC-526605
M.S. 1300
P.O. Box 997411
Sacramento, CA 95899-7411

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Health Care Services
Drop-Off
Certification Section JC 526605
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
Sacramento, CA 95814
Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)
08:00 AM - 04:00 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.
  • Supplemental Application - In order to be considered for this position, you must complete and submit a Supplemental Application (SA). Directions for completing the SA are in the Special Requirements section above.
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:

- Experience with SAS or SQL or similar data management/statistical/reporting software.
- Experience with health-related research and/or healthcare services administrative data.
- Experience working on multiple projects with competing deadlines.

      Benefits

      DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

      • Continuous and ongoing training
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
      • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

      Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

      • Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
      • Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
      • Defined retirement program
      • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
      • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

      Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary


      DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan       provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.

       

      We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link. This survey is not required to be considered for this position.

      Contact Information

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

      Hiring Unit Contact:
      Kathy Lao
      (916) 750-2716
      kathy.lao@dhcs.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 Officer
      (916) 440-7370
      civilrights@dhcs.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.

      Additional Information

      Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

       

      Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

       

      Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e., social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

       

      All information on the Employment Application (STD 678) must be completed. Applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Resumes or other documents may not be substituted for the Employment Application (STD 678).

       

      If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Recruitment Section at recruit@dhcs.ca.gov. For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at (866) 844-8671 or calcareer@calhr.ca.gov.

      Telework and Salary Information

      Telework: This position is currently eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.

       

      The DHCS office location for this position is at 1700 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.


      Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement

      Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the positions associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

      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