Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding virtual interviews beginning the week of July 20, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you!

Do you enjoy turning complex health data into clear, actionable insights? Are you interested in contributing to research, supporting decision-makers, and helping advance data-informed health policy?

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Division Chief (Health Program Manager III), the Health Data Research Scientist plans, organizes, and conducts research and data analysis of moderate scientific scope and complexity. Serving as a technical scientific consultant within the Health Policy and Data Division (HPDD), the incumbent applies principles and methods of econometrics, biostatistics, and public health to analyze health-related data. The position carries out multidisciplinary research initiatives, provides technical consultation to internal and external stakeholders, prepares reports to support health program planning and evaluation efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for CalPERS members.

This position is intended for early-career professionals and recent graduates with strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. HPDD values self-starters, creative thinkers, and individuals who can work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced, innovative, and mission-driven research environment focused on advancing data-informed healthcare policy. Proficiency in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and delivering executive-level briefings to both technical and non-technical audiences is highly desirable.

Telework Information
Act quickly to apply for this hybrid position, where you’ll enjoy up to 40% (two days) remote work, each week!

Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

Effective October 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3.5 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 6 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3.5 percent reduction in pay.

How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific question below will not be considered.

The SOQ must be typed, titled “Statement of Qualifications,” and each response must list all relevant experience, education, and training, including places of employment, dates, and duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed one page in length.

1. Describe your experience analyzing and interpreting data.

Minimum Qualifications

All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."

Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR’s CalCareers website .

Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation?
The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach (CSO) team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS hiring process. Our services include one-on-one online consultations for application assistance, Statement of Qualification review, and interview preparation. To schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our team, please use the following booking link: CalPERS Career Services Consultations .

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:

• Master’s in Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Health Policy, Health Management, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, Economics (Health Economics), Social/Behavioral Sciences, or a related field (e.g., MPH, MPP, MPA)
• Advanced coursework or certifications in data science, business intelligence, data governance, or project management
• Knowledge of or experience with programming languages such as SQL, Python, and/or R in a big data analytics platform such as Azure Databricks
• Knowledge of or experience with business intelligence applications such as Power BI or Tableau
• Knowledge of or experience with medical billing or healthcare data including claims, encounters, pharmacy, provider, lab, disease management, biometric, capitation, payment, risk, rebate, demographic, enrollment, and population health management data
• Knowledge of or experience with health care systems, health insurance, and health plans
• Ability to develop project and technical documentation, including subject briefs, charters, workplans, and timelines
• Ability to perform complex data analyses under tight timelines while ensuring accuracy
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deliverables

Benefits

CalPERS team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.

Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:

• Alternate Work Schedules
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite childcare facility
• Onsite fitness center
• Onsite café and nearby restaurants
• Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays, subject to change
• Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

For more details about employee benefits, visit the California Department of Human Resources website.

Additional Information

Live Scan
Candidates not currently employed at CalPERS are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.

CalPERS Disclosure Requirements
If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)

Please do not include any confidential information on any documents in your application package. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your social security number, date of birth, marital status, personal photos, a copy of your driver’s license, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP status.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. We ask that you not use Artificial Intelligence assistance when composing your written response. Written responses are an attempt to assess and gain an understanding of your personal writing and communication skills and abilities.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, 2 days per week

Similar Jobs