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Summary Please note, there is not pay associated with this position. This position serves as Without Compensation Research Health Science Specialist 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 Major Duties: 1) Identify and screen eligible research study participants: Review study inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify potentially eligible participants from specific clinical considerations (SCI) patient populations, clinical referrals, and community outreach channels. Conduct initial screening interviews – with sensitivity to the physical and communication needs of individuals with spinal cord injury – obtain informed consent, and document participant eligibility in accordance with IRB-approved protocols. Maintain a recruitment log and assist the research team in meeting enrollment targets. 2) Manage laboratory equipment and supplies: Perform routine calibration, cleaning, and maintenance of lab equipment – including any assistive or adaptive devices used during study procedures with SCI participants – and promptly report malfunctions or safety concerns to the supervising researcher. Monitor inventory levels for reagents, consumables, and clinical supplies, placing orders as needed to prevent disruptions to ongoing studies. Ensure all equipment logs and maintenance records are kept current and compliant with applicable regulatory standards. 3) Maintaining adherence to study protocols: Carry out all study procedures in strict accordance with IRB-approved protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and applicable federal regulations, with particular attention to safety considerations relevant to individuals with spinal cord injury (e.g., positioning, autonomic dysreflexia risk, skin integrity). Accurately complete case report forms (CRFs) and study documentation, flagging any protocol deviations or participant safety concerns to the principal investigator in a timely manner. Participate in required training to stay current on protocol amendments, SCI-specific clinical considerations, and compliance requirements. 4) Maintain data collection and analysis, and data management: Collect, enter, and verify clinical and laboratory data – including SCI-specific outcome measures such as neurological classification, functional assessments, or patient-reported outcomes – into electronic data capture (EDC) systems or study databases with a high degree of accuracy. Assist with basic data cleaning and quality control checks, and support senior staff in preparing data summaries or reports. Ensure all data handling practices adhere to HIPAA regulations and study-specific data management plans. 5) Regular participation in team meetings and project discussions: Attend and actively contribute to weekly lab meetings, study team check-ins, and relevant training sessions, including any onboarding specific to working with individuals with SCI. Communicate study progress, participant updates, and any emerging safety or logistical issues to the research team in a clear and timely manner. Collaborate with coordinators, clinicians, and investigators to support the smooth and accessible day-to-day operation of the study. Work Schedule: Full-time (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 dentification 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, 05/05/2026. You may qualify based on your education and experience as described below: Education: You must possess a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences. (Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application). 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 primarily is sedentary. Some work may require periods of walking, standing, and bending in offices, laboratories, hospitals, treatment facilities, and other work areas. Employees frequently carry light items such as books, instruments, and other similar materials. The work does not require any special physical effort. 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. 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 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.
