Zoonotic & Vector-borne Diseases Scientist | Public Health Microbiologist II, JC-

Job Description And Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by preparing for and responding to public health threats.

This position will provide technical leadership and assist in the planning, direction of work of the Zoonotic & Vector-Borne Diseases Section.

This position will perform high complexity diagnostic testing, including targeted and next generation sequencing methods to transition from COVID-19 response efforts to implement new and more sophisticated technologies for advanced laboratory surveillance and diagnostic testing for future outbreaks with potential for broad community spread, including diagnostic testing to support the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 response as well as for rabies, hantaviruses, arboviruses, and select rickettsial diseases, using both in-house and commercial diagnostic assays, and requiring initiative and independent judgment.

This position will also perform, interpret, and report complex diagnostic and reference testing in support of any emerging viral or rickettsial disease threat of public health significance.

The incumbent works under the general direction of a Public Health Microbiologist Supervisor (Virology) of the Rabies & Zoonotic Diseases Reference Unit.

If you are new to California State Service, you must take and pass the examination for this classification to be eligible for hire. Current state employees without transfer or list eligibility must also complete and pass the examination for this classification to qualify for this position.

Please visit the Cal Careers/Exams web page to review the Public Health Microbiologist II exam bulletin.

Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office 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.

Base pay range: $6,523.00 – $9,373.00

A. Telework:
In Office. Job Type: Permanent, Full Time.

• Department Website:
• Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
• The salary listed in this ad may not include recent adjustments or changes from the fiscal year.
• New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or alternate range, as applicable.
• Effective July 2025, California’s Personal Leave Program (PLP 2025) reduces employees’ base pay by 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits monthly through June 2027. The posted salary range does not reflect this reduction.

Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at  or .