Research Scientist I (Chemical Sciences)

Job Description and Duties

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory is seeking seasoned scientists with backgrounds in chemistry and/or other science disciplines with experience in analytical chemistry and instrumentation and are passionate about protecting the communities and environment from toxic chemicals. Join us today!

As a Research Scientist I you will have the opportunity to:

• Conduct sample preparation, extractions and analysis with advanced instrumentation (e.g., ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and GC-MS, GC-MS/MS)
• Conduct research and method development, achieving accurate and precise analysis in compliance with method performance specifications
• Setup, operate, calibrate and maintain instruments, data acquiring systems and related laboratory equipment at operational status
• Keep accurate records and maintain inventories of consumable parts, chemicals, reagents and standards
• Assist the Quality Assurance Officer with updates of ECL policies and practices and implements changes to comply with the ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Quality Management System requirements
• Assist with the development of a laboratory information management system to document lab practices and procedures, track performance data and manage records and information

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• Experience with standard analytical testing methods, such as EPA and ASTM methods
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory guidelines relevant to environmental testing
• At least one year of hands-on experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis preferred
• Experience working under ISO/IEC 17025 or other Quality Management Systems, including following SOPs, documenting results, and participating in audits or method validation
• Familiarity with LIMS or electronic data systems for sample tracking and data management

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

Working Conditions

The position is headquartered in Pasadena, CA.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST I (CHEMICAL SCIENCES)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-478680

Position #(s):

...-011

Working Title:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I

Classification:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST I (CHEMICAL SCIENCES)

$6,707.00 - $8,579.00

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Los Angeles County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Pasadena ECL

Department Information

This position is located at our Environmental Chemistry Lab in Pasadena, CA.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is a member of the boards, departments, and offices (BDO) within the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).

Our Mission: To protect California's people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.

Our Vision: All of California is thriving in a healthy environment.

Our Core Values: DTSC values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect California's people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products. Join DTSC to improve the lives of all Californians!

DTSC Recruitment Survey:

Click here to complete the DTSC recruitment survey.

Department Website:

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: 6/2/2025

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.

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 Toxic Substances Control

Pasadena ECL

Attn: Nan Xie

757 S Raymond Ave., Suite 105

Pasadena, CA 91105

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Toxic Substances Control

Pasadena ECL

Nan Xie

757 S Raymond Ave., Suite 105

Pasadena, CA 91105

Drop-off applications must be received, and date stamped by 5:00 PM on the final filing date.

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.

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.

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:

Human Resources Contact:

Talent Acquisition

...

...

Hiring Unit Contact:

Nan Xie

...

...

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

...

...

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

Additional Application Instructions

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), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed STD. 678 and application package to the mailing address provided above in the "Application Instructions" section. Applications must be postmarked on or before the final filing date.

For mail-in or drop-off applications, please include JC# 478680 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.

Pending Budget Approval - DTSC will obtain all necessary approvals prior to extending a job offer.

Foreign Degrees

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degree/ transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at .

DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.).

Examination Information

List eligibility is established through an examination process in which one must apply and successfully pass the examination for the classification. If you have not established list eligibility for the Research Scientist I, please click on the link to the examination bulletin for more information

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.