Summary Please note: There is no pay associated with this position. This position serves as Without Compensation Research Health Scientist within the Office of Research and Development (ORD). The VA Research Program strives to promote Veteran-centered care to improve patient experiences and outcomes across VA healthcare and community settings, and to advance value-driven care by providing Veterans the highest quality care at the lowest financial burden. Responsibilities The Research Health Scientist is responsible for planning and carrying out research projects and related analyses across several broad areas and for overseeing the work of research project staff. Duties include directing research, educational programs, training, translational activities, and administrative oversight for funded and proposed programs of research. The incumbent may initiate and conduct original research projects and provides consultation on other investigators' ongoing projects and research proposals. With an emphasis on data science, the incumbent applies advanced analytic methods to large and complex datasets in support of health research objectives. This includes using SQL Server to design queries and define, extract, and structure the large datasets required for analysis; conducting large-scale data analytics to identify patterns, relationships, and outcomes relevant to ongoing studies; and applying expertise in research study design to develop methodologically sound study plans, analytic strategies, and data collection approaches. The incumbent translates analytic results into actionable research findings and provides technical consultation to investigators on data management, analytic methodology, and study design. Major Duties: Responsible for planning and carrying out research projects and related analyses for several broad areas and overseeing the work of the research project staff. Direct all research, educational programs, training, translational activities, and administrative oversight for funded programs of research and proposed programs of research. Initiate and conduct their own original research projects and provide consultation to other investigator's ongoing projects and research proposals. Work Schedule: Intermittent (hours TBD with Research Supervisor) (Without Compensation) Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/07/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Education: The position requires a Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. A transcript showing this education requirement is met must be submitted as part of your application package Specialized Experience: You must possess general experience in providing operational support and coordination for the implementation of a research trial, assisting in managing timelines and deliverables for successful completion of the projects, writing research policies, guidelines and procedures, and other documents, facilitating the compliance with all regulatory and administrative project requirements, and validating appropriate data elements of the project. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary with occasional walking, standing, and handling and carrying items such as paper and books. There may be occasion needs to assist study participants with mobility to study locations(s). Some travel may be required. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
