CDPHE LSD ONLY - Physical Science Researcher/Scientist III

Department Information

NOTICE OF PROPOSED REALLOCATION

Position Number:   FAA 02713      Held by:  C. Stark

This position is in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Laboratory Services Division has been recommended for reallocation to Physical Science Researcher/Scientist III.

  

This announcement represents the selection process for an occupied, reclassified state position. This position is open only to classified permanent employees of [Division Name] within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Applications will not be considered from any individuals not specifically covered by these strict eligibility requirements.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position will have hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.

Description of Job

The Work Unit:

The Laboratory Data and Informatics Unit functions as a multidisciplinary scientific body that applies advanced theory, physical science principles, and rigorous data collection methodologies to the end-to-end lifecycle of laboratory informatics. By designing workflows and technical frameworks to detect, measure, and analyze both established and experimental observations, the unit ensures seamless laboratory instrument connectivity and the high-fidelity integration of complex data. Members of the unit act as scientists to plan and devise sophisticated testing workflows, understanding the root cause of data challenges to ensure all systems comply with program and regulatory standards. This scientific expertise is directly applied to the configuration of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), the development of intricate reports, and the engineering of instrument interfaces, ensuring that the methods used to collect and interpret data are accurate, efficient, and replicable.

What You Will Do: 

This position serves as a fully operational Scientist I, applying advanced physical science principles and research methodologies to the end-to-end management of state laboratory data. The incumbent plans, devises, and tests complex data collection and testing methods to ensure that both demographic and scientific data are captured with the precision required for high-level research and regulatory compliance. By designing sophisticated data interpretation and reporting protocols, the position ensures the accuracy and reproducibility of findings reported to internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Information System Configuration

• Lead Collaboration with stakeholders to analyze complex research objectives, designing the overarching methodologies for data workflows and reports that capture and reflect underlying physical science phenomena. 
• Determine Research Strategies by evaluating the relevance of theoretical models, designing the data collection systems and infrastructure required to maintain scientific integrity in unique or shifting environments. 
• Design and Oversee rigorous validation experiments and trials, establishing the criteria for precision and accuracy standards necessary for scientific replication.
• Investigate and Resolve complex integration and interpretation challenges where guidelines may be nonspecific, using resourcefulness and analogy to formulate original solutions that maintain agency reliability. 
• Evaluate and Individualize electronic reporting frameworks, tailoring theories and principles to ensure models in practice accurately represent complex, multi-dimensional scientific variables. 
• Serve as a Technical Expert on the applicability of data transmission methods, formulating metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the reporting system and making decisions on the necessity of new processes.

Work Lead
This position serves as the work leader for the Laboratory Data and Informatics sub-unit, providing technical oversight and strategic direction for scientific data operations. 

• Operational Oversight: Oversees the daily operations of the work unit; prioritizes scientific data assignments and manages project timelines to ensure alignment with laboratory research goals.
• Methodological Standardization: Authors and maintains the unit’s Scientific Operating Procedure (SOP) manuals, translating complex physical science theories into standardized protocols to be executed by the informatics team. 
• Quality Assurance Leadership: Reviews and approves the technical work of lower-level scientists/staff, ensuring that data transformations and system configurations meet the highest standards of scientific rigor and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Planning: Interprets broad agency objectives to individualize the unit’s research plans, ensuring that the informatics infrastructure evolves alongside advancements in the physical sciences.
  

Data Systems Management
This position provides scientific oversight for the management and monitoring of electronic reporting systems at the state laboratory. The incumbent ensures that complex laboratory findings are translated into standardized scientific nomenclature to maintain the accuracy and reproducibility of data. To perform these duties, the position must:

• Nomenclature System Design: Designs the overarching framework for mapping and harmonizing laboratory values, evaluating the theoretical principles of the lab's findings to determine how international standards (LOINC, SNOMED) should be individualized for complex datasets. 
• Integrity Framework Management: Designs the processes for monitoring data, determining the methodologies required to preserve data integrity and system stability during high-volume or emergency research cycles.
• Model Evaluation and Analytics: Develops and evaluates scientific metrics to analyze the effectiveness of current data models; tailors these metrics to identify deep-seated trends and recommends structural changes to improve reporting accuracy. 6 Revised 3/11/2025
• Formulative Troubleshooting: Investigates anomalies in electronic messaging; uses resourcefulness and scientific analogy to resolve complex barriers that impede the communication of critical findings.
  

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Residency Requirement:

• This position is open only to classified permanent employees of the listed department and division within that department.

Class Code & Classification Description:

I3B4** Physical Science Researcher/Scientist III

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Or

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Adjust the auto populated minimum qualifications based on conversations with your appointing authority. 

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

• Critical Status: This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.

• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Supplemental Information

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify:  CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

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Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/