RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (CHEMICAL SCIENCES)

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.

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-504934

Position #(s):

810-358-5581-003

Working Title:

Research Scientist II

Classification:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (CHEMICAL SCIENCES)

$7,625.00 - $9,799.00

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:

Los Angeles County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Pasadena ECL

Department Information

This position can be located at the 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: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL), Pasadena provides DTSC with expertise in method development, quality assurance, data evaluation and analysis of environmental samples. The ECL also studies new chemicals of concern and provides DTSC management with analytical information for decision making. We are looking for a highly motivated and adaptable individual to join our team. Join us today!

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

• Develop and validate standard and in-house analytical methods for DTSC special projects using sophisticated computer-interfaced equipment and Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and Mass Spectrometer (MS) hyphenated instruments to produce accurate, defensible and reliable data for the department to use to carry out its mandates by working independently or leading in a group
• Solve complex analytical problems such as matrix interferences, sensitivity and selectivity and optimizes instrument conditions as a part of the method development process
• Evaluate scientific literature for in-depth understanding and knowledge of the project assigned
• Use standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other authoritative methods and laboratory technical system procedures (TSPs) to analyze environmental samples submitted by DTSC core programs and external entities for enforcement, compliance, and quality assurance purposes
• Comply with the requirements in the Management System documents such as the Quality System Procedures (QSPs) and other relevant external documents to ensure defensibility of analytical results
• Prepare analytical and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reports for submission
  
  

Desirable Qualifications We Look For:

• 2 years of research experience working independently on projects preferred
• 1 year of experience with mass spectrometry or other analytical techniques preferred
• Experience with standard analytical testing methods preferred
  
  

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

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: 1/28/2026

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.

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: Cesar Fernandez

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

Cesar Fernandez

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.