Research Health Science Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Seattle, WA

19h

About The Position

This position serves as a Without Compensation Research Health Science Specialist within the Seattle VA Office of Research & Development (ORD). The role supports research on prosthetic devices through laboratory testing, human subjects research, data work, and dissemination of study findings.

The specialist conducts bench tests of prosthetic devices using commercial and custom materials-testing instruments. Work may involve designing and fabricating fixtures with typical machine-shop tools, operating testing instruments, calibrating sensors, interfacing electronics with data-acquisition instruments, and performing test procedures. The specialist also conducts human subjects research involving custom and clinical standard-of-care prosthetic devices, which may include operating gait laboratory instruments and carrying out test protocols.

The role includes collecting, processing, and assisting with interpretation of study data. This may involve developing custom software, verifying and visualizing research data, and presenting results. The specialist also participates in disseminating study findings, such as preparing conference abstracts and peer-reviewed manuscripts for journal submission. The position is full-time and without compensation.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Completion of a background/security investigation.
• Completion of the required online onboarding process and provision of acceptable identification.
• Participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• By the announcement closing date of November 4, 2026, meet qualification requirements through general experience, education, or a combination of education and experience.
• General experience must include analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; planning and organizing work; and communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Alternatively, a bachelor's or graduate/higher-level degree with a major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the work.
• Submit a transcript if qualifying based all or in part on education; qualifying education must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from an accredited institution.
• Applicants using foreign education must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with their transcript.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bench tests of prosthetic devices using commercial and custom materials-testing instruments.
• Design and fabricate fixtures using typical machine-shop tools, as needed.
• Operate commercial testing instruments, calibrate sensors, interface electronics with data-acquisition instruments, and perform test procedures.
• Conduct human subjects research involving custom and clinical standard-of-care prosthetic devices.
• Operate gait laboratory instruments and perform test protocols, as needed.
• Collect, process, and assist in interpreting study data.
• Develop custom software, verify and visualize research data, and present results, as needed.
• Participate in study dissemination, including conference abstracts and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts.

Benefits

• The posting notes that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits for this position are not identified, and eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time