Research Biologist Without Compensation

Veterans Health Administration•Providence, RI

About The Position

The VA Providence Healthcare System is seeking a highly qualified Research Biologist for a Without Compensation (WOC) appointment within the Research and Development Service. The Research Biologist conducts independent and collaborative biomedical research investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction, thrombosis, cancer progression, and other diseases relevant to Veterans. There is no pay associated with this position. The role involves planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating complex laboratory-based and translational research studies relevant to Veterans. Research areas include vascular injury, endothelial cell dysfunction, thrombosis, cancer progression, platelet activation and platelet-cancer cell interactions, cellular signaling, vascular responses, cancer-associated thrombosis, circulating tumor cell interactions, tumor cell clustering, and metastatic dissemination. The researcher also applies expertise in nanomedicine, biomaterials, and bioengineered therapeutic platforms to investigate potential strategies for disease detection, prevention, and treatment.

Requirements

Possess a degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline appropriate to the position.
Be a U.S. citizen; non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
Register with Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
Undergo a background/security investigation.
Complete the online onboarding process if selected.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of November 5, 2026.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, conduct, and evaluate complex laboratory-based and translational biomedical research studies relevant to Veterans.
Independently design, develop, conduct, and analyze research projects on biological mechanisms involving vascular injury, endothelial cell dysfunction, thrombosis, cancer progression, and related pathophysiological processes.
Investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating platelet activation, platelet-cancer cell interactions, cellular signaling, and vascular responses under normal and pathological conditions.
Apply expertise in nanomedicine, biomaterials, and bioengineered therapeutic platforms to investigate disease detection, prevention, and treatment strategies relevant to Veterans.
Investigate cancer-associated thrombosis, circulating tumor cell interactions, tumor cell clustering, and metastatic dissemination using specified laboratory methods and equipment.