Senior Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of September 14, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you!
Do you enjoy solving complex problems in a collaborative team environment? Are you energized by using data to uncover insights, improve processes, and influence organizational decision-making? Do you thrive working with cross-functional teams to tackle meaningful business challenges? If you do, we encourage you to apply for this exciting job opportunity!
The Strategy, Projects and Data Analytics Division (SPDA) is currently seeking three Research Data Specialist IIs (RDS II), one to join our Policy Insights Team, and two to join our Lean Insights Team.
SPDA partners with leaders across CalPERS to improve how we serve our members and operate as an organization. Our work combines research, data analytics, policy insights, process improvement, facilitation, and project management to solve enterprise-wide challenges, support strategic decision-making, and assist in policy and procedural impacts while helping teams anticipate and adapt to evolving business needs.
The Policy Insights Team has the primary role in conducting research and data analytics to inform policy issues, business decisions, and internal regulation/legislation insights across the organization. The team provides insights from external sources to assist in enhancing existing needs and pension system trends, building strong partnerships that allow for strong governance and policy across the organization, and serving as a translator between operational objectives and state/CalPERS regulation and/or policy changes.
The Lean Insights Team provides enterprise-wide business process improvement, research, and data analytics support to improve operational efficiency, and support data-informed decision-making across CalPERS. As the only dedicated Lean unit within the organization, the team leads and facilitates complex process improvement initiatives, conducts qualitative and quantitative research, analyzes operational and customer experience data, and develops recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making.
Telework Information: Act quickly to apply for this hybrid position, where you'll enjoy up to 40% (two days) remote work, each week!
Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.
How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528451
Position #(s):
275-185-5758-004
275-185-5758-016
275-185-5758-002
Working Title:
Senior Researcher
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II $7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
3
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation's largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we're committed to people - the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.
If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website !
To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .
Special Requirements Statement of Qualifications
Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered.
The SOQ must be typed, titled "Statement of Qualifications," and each response must list all relevant experience, education, and training, including duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed two pages in length.

Describe a situation where you had to solve a complex business problem with limited direction but were expected to deliver results. Include how you clarified expectations, research methodology and problem definition, stakeholder engagement, prioritized work, challenges you encountered and how you addressed them, managed competing needs, and the final outcome.

Describe a time when your analytical insights were instrumental to a high stakes initiative that required collaboration across teams or domains. Include your audience, how you effectively communicated your insights, tools you used to facilitate engagement across teams, and impact of your work.

Minimum Qualifications
All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."
Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR's CalCareers website .
Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation?
The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS hiring process. Our services include one-on-one online consultations for application assistance, Statement of Qualification review, and interview preparation. To schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our team, please use the following booking link: CalPERS Career Services Consultations .
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: 8/27/2026
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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). 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:
Public Employees Retirement System
Postal
Attn: JC-528451/CB
Human Resources Division, Recruitment
P. O. Box 942718
Sacramento , CA 94229-2718
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Employees Retirement System
Drop-Off
HRSD, SSU JC-528451/CB
400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North
1st floor drop box by security desk
Sacramento , CA 95811
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. We ask that you not use Artificial Intelligence assistance when composing your written response. Written responses are an attempt to assess and gain an understanding of your personal writing and communication skills and abilities.

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.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience leading complex analytical and research projects from initiation through implementation.
• Ability to train, coach/mentor, and provide technical guidance.
• Experience facilitating workshops, stakeholder meetings, and collaborative working sessions and translate complex findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations to a wide range of audiences (operational teams to executive leadership).
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify risks, trends, policy/procedural gaps, and opportunities.
• Ability to serve as a technical leader in reviewing and providing constructive feedback on analytical work products, research methodologies, reports, presentations, dashboards, and recommendations.

Benefits CalPERS team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.
Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:

• Alternate Work Schedules
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite childcare facility
• Onsite fitness center
• Onsite café and nearby restaurants
• Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays, subject to change
• Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

For more details about employee benefits, visit the California Department of Human Resources website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
HRSD Selection Services
(916) 795-2444
Recruitment@CalPERS.ca.gov
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:
CalPERS EEO
(916) 795-3675
EEO@calpers.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information
Live Scan
Candidates not currently employed at CalPERS are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
CalPERS Disclosure Requirements
If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment i