Research Health Science Specialist Job in Richmond, VA

Vacancy No. CARZ-12571616-25-MJS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $75,715.00 to $98,426.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/10/2024 Close Date 10/17/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Richmond, VA


Summary

The Research Health Science Specialist - Human Research Protection Program Manager serves in the Associate Chief of Staff Research and Development (ACOS/R&D). Richard VAMC, Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Network (VISN 6), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs, Richmond, VA.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION***

Duties will include but are not limited to the following:

Management of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)

  • Performs consultations with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator and the Research&. Development Committee (R&DC) Coordinator.
  • Retains primary administrative oversight for the HRPP.
Safety of Human Research Subjects:
  • Implements the HRPP to safeguard the rights and welfare of human research subjects.
  • Develops local policies and procedures related to the protection of human subjects participating in medical, social, and behavioral research to ensure Researchers, Research Staff, and the Medical Center adheres to all regulations and compliance.
Policy and Procedure Maintenance:
  • Assists and/or maintains current administrative policies and procedures.
  • Provides post-approval administrative oversight and audits as determined by committees and/or committee coordinators.
  • Identifies and communicates with appropriate committee coordinator or committee areas for the development of new procedures regarding effective management of the protocol review process and develops procedures and systems for establishing, operating, and assessing the effectiveness of administrative control systems within the HRPP for the purpose of assuring all aspects of human subject protection.
Program Effectiveness:
  • Manages productivity and management of the HRPP and develops reporting procedures, sampling techniques, and measurements to identify problem areas or inherent weaknesses in research processes, procedures, information systems, and/or content.
  • Analyzes and evaluates, on a quantitative or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of the HRPP operations in meeting local and established goals and objectives.
  • Analyzes HRPP performance data to identify various issues that may include but are not limited to: human subjects protection, compliance and reporting requirements, human subjects and good clinical practice training requirements, accreditation, committee membership requirements, and Federal wide Assurance FWA) compliance.
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration:
  • Attends all meetings of the IRB, R&D and SRS and may serve as a back-up committee coordinator in the absence of the primary coordinator.
  • Works closely with research office support staff, Information Systems Security and Privacy Officer(s), pharmacy, hospital management, investigators, and research staff.
  • Works closely with the VA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Office of Research Oversight (ORO), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), VA and other federal or non-federal central/commercial I RBs, and other regulatory agencies in addressing issues pertaining to human research protection program.
Compliance and Oversight:
  • Works closely with the Research Compliance Officer (RCO) in maintaining a compliant research program.
  • Works with committee coordinators to promptly report to the research committees, appropriate institutional officials, ORD, ORO, DHHS, OHRP, FDA, and any other sponsoring Federal department or agency head of any unanticipated injuries or problems involving risks to subjects or others.
  • Ensures appropriate oversight mechanisms are in place to maintain compliance with the determinations of the research committees.
Educational, Advisory, and Outreach Responsibilities:
  • Develops and implements a dynamic and comprehensive human subjects research protection educational program.
  • Assesses individual learner competency and tailors' educational program to learner's needs.
  • Ensures that the educational program changes with the needs of the organization and is offered to administrators, clinical coordinators, principal investigators, researchers, other support staff, trainees, and students.
  • Provides research training related to research activities regarding national regulatory rules and regulations as well as local policies and standard operation procedures to individuals with ancillary research responsibilities, such as the Privacy Officer, Information Systems Security Officer, Research Pharmacist, local non-profit staff, etc. Advises the R&D Service, IRB, R&D Committee, and investigators on procedural issues, incorporating federal, agency, and local policies.


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

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
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.
AND
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: must have successful completion of a full four (4) year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position. (The number of semester hours required to constitute a major field of study is the amount specified by the college or university attended. If this number cannot be obtained, twenty-four (24) semester hours will be considered as equivalent to a major field of study). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
and
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, you must also possess specialized experience and/or additional directly related education to qualify for this position as described below.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-11: Must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equipped with the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Qualifying specialized experience include having Mastery of and skills in applying analytical, experimental and/or evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations in order to ensure the meeting of local and nationally goals and objectives; comprehends pertinent laws, regulations, policies, and precedents in order to interpret or modify the use of program and related support resources in the area studied; human research practices and medical terminology in order to communicate effectively with staff and with healthcare system management, and to understand the objectives, organization and procedures of a large research service; has skills and expertise in adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to the measurement and improvement of program effectiveness and/or organizational productivity; proficient in the Merit review process to understand and facilitate the coordination of just-in-time activities and committee and subcommittee submission and approvals; comprehends the major issues, program goals and objectives, work processes, and administrative operations of the organization in order to facilitate, guide and advise on research activities involving human subjects; conducts detailed analyses of complex functions and work processes in order to evaluate programmatic efficiencies or inefficiencies and develop performance improvement activities related to weaknesses identified; utilizes a variety of computer-based programs and functions for recording and evaluating time and attendance information, creating databases, analyzing data, producing complex documents, researching information required to maintain currency with regulations, procedures and policies, etc.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE GS-11: having successful completion of a Masters or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One (1) year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one (1) year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, eighteen (18) semester hours should be considered an academic year of graduate study. (Transcripts Required)
OR
COMBINING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GS-11: Must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate education and Specialized Experience directly related to the work of the position, as outlined for GS-11 above. (Transcript Required)

You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Education and Training
  • Research


IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.

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; religious; 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.

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of time working at a computer workstation and interacting with contacts via phone, email, or other electronic communication. Position needs to have good manual dexterity and eyesight. Some slight physical effort may be required such as lifting and carrying for delivery of supplies and documents. Lifting may consist of infrequent duration and a five to ten ( 5 -10lbs) pounds limit.

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

IMPORTANT: 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:

  • Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
  • Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job;
  • Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category (except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher).

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation, i.e., Letter of Intent, related to your active-duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form. Documentation is mandatory to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/17/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12571616.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities (i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities), and/or disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. For more information on how to apply using this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact the facility Human Resources Department at (804) 675-5000.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Agency contact information

VHA National Recruitment Center
Address
Central Virginia VA Health Care System
1201 Broad Rock Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23249
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.