Administrative Officer - Research

Summary This position is located in the Research Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System (VAMHCS) - Togus in Augusta, ME. The Administrative Officer oversees the administrative aspects of the research program and reports directly to the Associate Chief of Staff for Research. Duties ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Major duties include but are not limited to: Interprets national directives and laws, develops and implements policies, defines administrative requirements and provides advice to top management on related issues; Reviews, analyzes and implements all policies and regulations that affect and/or govern research operations; Works with principal investigators in developing and processing research funding proposals to ensure compliance with regulations and procedures necessary for adequate review by higher authority in the funding approval process; Reviews principal investigators' proposals for research funding and/or special requests prior to their submission to the VA Office of R&D (ORD) or other agencies; Provides expert guidance to prospective, new and established investigators on all matters related to research initiation, implementation, management and regulatory review requirements; Directs the personnel management operations for the research program, performs or oversees the full range of human resources (HR) requirements; Oversees recruitment, promotions, awards, position classification, training, disciplinary actions, etc.; Ensures that the office adheres to reporting requirements at all levels and develops status reports or response materials for the ACOS for Research review or signature as appropriate; Provides expert advice to managers, supervisors and principal investigators in the research program on how to address their human resource needs; Performs first level supervisory personnel management over administrative, clerical and technical staff; Selects or assists in the selection of personnel, develops position descriptions and performance standards; Establishes and maintains career development functions for employees of the research program, evaluates those employees and their requests for training needs as related to the needs of the program and service; Provides for the budgeting and financial management of the research program including budget formulation, justification and execution; financial management; and financial forecasting and reporting; Provides advice to management and program personnel on budgetary and finance issues; Interacts and negotiates on adjustments or reprogramming in support of major program changes or requirements and reviews them for financial impact; Analyzes budget issues and recommends solutions; Manages contracting and procurement for large, complex procurements; Establishes and oversees procedures for the receipt, review and follow-up on requisitions for purchases from Federal and special funds; Reviews, evaluates and ensures the current status Equipment Inventory Listings (EIL) on all equipment assigned to principal investigators in the research program; Directs subordinate staff in the maintenance of inventory records for all non-expendable research equipment, ensuring that equipment is properly identified and located and that EILS are up-to-date, complete and accurate; Evaluates space utilization in view of changing and expanding needs; and Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved 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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position at the GS-12 level, you must meet the following: Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties this position. Specialized experience is experience where you were responsible for providing a variety of management services essential to the direction and operation of a clinical research program to include budget/fiscal management; human resources/personnel management; analyzing and evaluating data to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of a clinical research program; and performing procurement and contracting administrative functions. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Administration and Management Customer Service Financial Management Manages Resources 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 is primarily sedentary in nature although some slight physical effort may be required. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. 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 There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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.