Health Science Specialist - Research

Veterans Health Administration • Boston, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Science Specialist serves as a Senior Investigator, independently planning, developing, implementing, directing, and evaluating complex scientific research projects within the Veterans Health Administration. The position is located in the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Collaborative (MAVERIC) Core Laboratory at the VA Boston Healthcare System in Boston, Massachusetts. This is a non-virtual, term appointment not to exceed three years; term appointments may be extended up to the four-year maximum. Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally receive benefits such as health and life insurance, within-grade increases, and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. The appointment does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or noncompetitive conversion to permanent employment.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The employee typically works seated, with some standing at a laboratory bench, walking, bending, and carrying supplies and shipping materials. Work is generally performed in laboratory, office, and meeting-room settings. Travel may involve the normal risks and discomforts of automobile, bus, rail, or air transportation.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the education, selective placement factor, and specialized-experience requirements. The role requires a bachelor's or higher degree in an academic field related to medicine, health sciences, or allied sciences, as well as at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12. A one-year probationary period is required. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized, and the Critical Skills Incentive is not approved.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• A bachelor's or graduate/higher-level degree with a major study in a field related to medicine, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the work; the degree must be from an educational program accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education when the degree was obtained.
• Knowledge and ability to apply scientific research principles, methods, and processes for systematic and objective inquiry, including study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and reporting results.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in the Federal Service, directly related to the position.
• Specialized experience must include independently planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating complex scientific research projects; developing and pursuing independent funding; applying advanced laboratory techniques and research methodologies; analyzing and interpreting scientific data; guiding and training research personnel; coordinating laboratory operations; ensuring compliance with research regulations and safety standards; and collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams.
• A transcript showing the date the degree was conferred must be submitted when relying on education to qualify.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Selected applicants must complete an online assessment and required onboarding steps, and are subject to a background/security investigation.
• Participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Health Care Personnel.
• A one-year probationary period is required.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan, initiate, develop, conduct, and evaluate complex laboratory research projects and scientific investigations.
• Design experimental approaches, establish research methodologies, develop hypotheses, and select scientific techniques to achieve research objectives.
• Analyze and interpret complex scientific data, evaluate experimental findings, and develop recommendations based on research results.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership in tissue banking, DNA banking, and related laboratory research.
• Develop and implement research techniques, evaluate emerging scientific technologies, and resolve complex technical and methodological challenges.
• Coordinate research activities and provide technical guidance, training, and oversight to laboratory personnel, research staff, and collaborating investigators.
• Evaluate research progress, identify operational challenges, and recommend improvements to scientific procedures and laboratory practices.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, research reports, presentations, and other technical documents for professional meetings and scientific publications.
• Develop research proposals and pursue funding opportunities to support research activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external research groups to exchange scientific knowledge, coordinate investigations, and advance research initiatives.
• Participate in research-related committees, including Research and Development, Animal Studies, and Human Studies committees, as applicable.
• Ensure laboratory and research activities comply with applicable policies, institutional requirements, safety procedures, and research regulations.
• Maintain accurate scientific documentation, research records, and data to support research integrity and program objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Term employees are eligible to earn leave.
• Term employees generally have health and life insurance coverage.
• Term employees generally receive within-grade increases.
• Term employees generally have Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior