WOC - Research Health Science Specialist

Summary Please note: There is no pay associated with this position. This position serves as Without Compensation (WOC) 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. Learn more about this agency Duties The Research Health Science Specialist serves as a key contributor to VA-supported research by providing high-level technical expertise, operational support, and coordination for the implementation of VA research projects as directed. There is no pay associated with this position. Major Duties: Conduct research relevant to Veteran populations, including projects focused on stroke, vascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Perform experimental methods and laboratory techniques; collect, organize, and analyze research data; obtain protocol specimens; and maintain accurate records and notes. Coordinate and execute research collaborations with partners, ensure regulatory compliance, and assist the Principal Investigator in completing research projects. Provide operational support for VA research projects, independently handling project questions and resolving issues in coordination with the PI. Deliver high-level technical expertise for aggregating, collating, and analyzing data from databases, including developing, implementing, and updating data extraction queries. Conduct data mining, develop strategies and action plans, modify and maintain data queries, and perform quality control and validation of collected data. Develop methodological approaches and study designs, and prepare advanced written, verbal, and visual communications of study results and analytical outputs. Contribute to the design of advanced data systems, software, and complex programming specifications. Perform analyses that inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare administrative processes, including analyses of electronic health record data for predictive analytics and medical image processing. Utilize high-impact AI technologies, such as deep learning, trustworthy AI, privacy-preserving AI, explainable AI, and multi-scale AI analysis. Work with large longitudinal medical databases and statistical software such as SAS, and develop or execute structured query language (SQL) queries and visual programming tools. Perform statistical and quantitative analyses using specialized software models or procedures. Apply interpersonal communication, outreach, acquisitions, procurement, IT, and financial management skills to support research and operational functions. Lead or consult with cross-functional teams consisting of federal employees and contractors in policy analysis, IT, data engineering, and project management to develop data-driven solutions for Agency challenges. Adapt to changes in program emphasis and priorities as needed. Work Schedule: Intermittent (Without Compensation) Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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, 04/28/2026. You may qualify based on your education and experience as described below: Education: Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. AND Experience: (1) Experience conducting biomedical or clinical research, including performing laboratory methods, managing data and specimens, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting PI led research projects; (2) Experience analyzing large medical datasets using tools such as SAS or SQL, developing data queries and methodological approaches, validating data quality, and producing analytical reports using advanced statistical or AI/ML techniques; and (3) Experience collaborating on multidisciplinary, data driven healthcare or research projects, contributing technical expertise, supporting administrative processes, and communicating complex analytical findings to diverse stakeholders. 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 is predominantly sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there will be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items of moderate weight such as large binders, banker style file boxes, meeting materials, papers, books or small parts. Hand and eye coordination for delicate testing procedures may be the only special physical demand required to perform the work. Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. Expand Hide  additional information 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.