Informatics Specialist
University of California, San Francisco · United States
Job Summary:
The California Department of Public Health Office of Data Strategy (ODS) is recruiting for an Informatics Specialist IV to serve as a lead engineer supporting CDPH’s enterprise data modernization efforts. The incumbent will lead engineering, operational reliability, data access, and data governance activities for CDPH’s cloud‑native Databricks Lakehouse environment. Responsibilities will include:
Applying advanced professional public health informatics and enterprise data engineering and data architecture concepts and extensive knowledge of industry practices to projects of all levels of scope and complexity.
Leading project teams in developing innovative informatics and enterprise data pipelines, reusable data models, data access frameworks, and automated data quality systems
Identifying and implementing strategies for integrating multiple enterprise data sources, platforms, and systems to support statewide analytics, operations, and program needs. Conducting complex database design, data quality assurance, and quality improvement projects.
Developing protocols and guidelines and providing information and technical assistance for CDPH programs, ODS partners, and system users related to data governance, access, interoperability, and metadata standards.
Leading engineering efforts for scalable data pipelines, enterprise data marts, and secure data access. Supporting data governance, operational reliability, and continuous improvement of CDPH’s data infrastructure.
Serves as a technical lead to engineers, informaticists, analysts, and program partners across CDPH.
This position requires strong programming skills (SQL, Python, PySpark), experience with Databricks and distributed computing frameworks, and expertise in data governance and secure data access. The incumbent collaborates across ODS teams and CDPH programs to support enterprise data architecture, operational reliability, and continuous improvement of CDPH’s data systems.
Department Summary:
UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS) is dedicated to improving health and reducing the burden of disease in the world’s most vulnerable populations. It integrates UCSF expertise in all of the health, social, and biological sciences, and focuses that expertise on pressing issues in global health. IGHS works with partners in countries throughout the world to achieve these aims. IGHS seeks to improve health worldwide, especially in developing countries, through research that informs policy.
IGHS is committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment as we work towards becoming an anti-racist organization. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please see our statement on anti-racism here: https://globalhealthsciences.ucsf.edu/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/statement-structural-racism.
The California Department of Public Health’s Office of Data Strategy (ODS) leads enterprise-wide data modernization efforts to advance public health outcomes statewide. ODS is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable, secure, and interoperable data systems that support public health program operations, analytics, and strategic decision-making. ODS collaborates with internal CDPH programs, Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs), and external partners to ensure efficient data integration, governance, and quality. The office fosters innovation in data engineering, analytics, and informatics, supporting initiatives such as enhanced surveillance, operational data systems, and public health response. ODS is committed to equity, transparency, and continuous improvement, empowering teams to deliver high-quality data products and actionable insights for California’s public health ecosystem.