This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-14. At GS-13 grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. It is anticipated that you will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level.
Summary
This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-14. At GS-13 grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. It is anticipated that you will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level.
This position is located within the Office of Research Oversight (ORO) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). ORO reports directly to the Under Secretary of Health (USH) and is the primary office for advising the USH on matters related to the assurance and compliance with VA and other Federal requirements for the protection of human research subjects, laboratory animal welfare, research safety and security, research information security, research compliance officer education and oversight, and research misconduct. Duties will include but not limited to:
Assisting in providing subject matter expertise in the areas of general research administration, human subjects protections, research and development committee oversight, review management and integrity (including research misconduct), informatics and analytics, research policy management, and/or research compliance officer education and oversight;
Participating in and leading on-site and remote research compliance reviews focusing on research compliance officer education and oversight;
Providing written reports of technical assistance visits;
Performing work in establishing the policies and procedures by which research compliance programs will be evaluated;
Maintaining detailed working knowledge of Federal and VHA requirements in one area and basic knowledge of requirements in the other areas;
Conducting assessments of research oversight programs and identifying research noncompliance;
Monitoring progress as correction plans are implemented, monitoring and evaluating content of facility research compliance programs;
Collecting and analyzing data, presenting results through presentations and/or publications;
Performing complex analytical studies and interpretation of results to coordinate the evaluation of research compliance programs and the compliance of individual research projects and to recommend improvements;
Responsible for independently planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work;
Evaluating new or modified legislation and policy to determine its impact on human research protections.
Work schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available Telework: Available Position Description Title/PD#: Health Science Specialist/ 02172A, 02171A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized PCS Expenses: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
Subject to a background/security investigation.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/25/2019.
Basic Education Requirement: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. Transcripts Required.
Additional Qualifications- In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, you must have specialized experience or directly related education as described below. Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
GS-13 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: expertise in the areas of general research administration, research and development committee oversight, review management and integrity (including research misconduct), informatics and analytics, research policy management, and/or research compliance officer education and oversight; developing new methods, approaches, or procedures in the oversight of research compliance programs; performing complex analytical studies and interpretation of results to coordinate the evaluation of research compliance programs and compliance of individual research projects; creating and delivering presentations, reports, and recommendations regarding research; applying research and auditing inspection techniques to extract information that can be used to evaluate research programs.
GS-14 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: conducting research in a healthcare setting, expertise in the areas of general research administration, research and development committee oversight, review management and integrity (including research misconduct), informatics and analytics, research policy management, and/or research compliance officer education and oversight; developing new methods, approaches, or procedures in the oversight of research compliance programs; performing complex analytical studies and interpretation of results to coordinate the evaluation of research compliance programs and compliance of individual research projects; creating and delivering presentations, reports, and recommendations regarding research; applying research and auditing inspection techniques to extract information that can be used to evaluate research programs.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current, permanent Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 and 52 weeks at the GS-13 for the GS-14 position. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year time-in-grade.
Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade. Please review the Required Document section for additional information, and to ensure all appropriate documentation is submitted at the time of application.
Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement who have separated within the past 52 weeks, and current employees applying under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA).
ICTAP/CTAP candidates: ICTAP/CTAP candidates must be found to be well qualified for referral.
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.
A full year of work is 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited based on time 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 sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform portions of the work. However, there is periodic walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as research records, instructional material, books, manuals, and laptop computer. No special physical demands are required to perform the work, however, travel forms a significant component of the program.
Education
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience.
After you have met the minimum qualifications and been referred you will be rated on the following competencies based on your application for this position:
Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, methods, and techniques of research compliance and assurance to analyze, evaluate, and provide expert advice and consultation, as well as knowledge of the principles, methods, applications, and state of the art technology in ORO's areas of responsibility to provide direction and guidance on critical and complex issues.
Must have or develop auditing skills in sufficient detail to conduct archival reviews and individual and group interviews.
Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Narrative responses are not required presently. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the competencies; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.
Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
If you are a current or former Federal employee applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
Transcript(s)
If prior military service, include all copies of your DD-214 or proof of service, as well as proof of disability if applicable
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214
Other
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/25/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10480012.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click "Submit My Answers" to submit your application package.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click "Update Application" in the vacancy announcement.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
Areas of Consideration: Applicants will be considered in the order of the following Areas of Consideration:
First Area of Consideration: Office of Research Oversight employees who are current, permanent employees.
Second Area of Consideration: VA employees - all other current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees not included in the first area of consideration.
Third Area of Consideration: All other candidates.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
If you are a current or former Federal employee applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
Transcript(s)
If prior military service, include all copies of your DD-214 or proof of service, as well as proof of disability if applicable
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214
Other
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/25/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10480012.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click "Submit My Answers" to submit your application package.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click "Update Application" in the vacancy announcement.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
Areas of Consideration: Applicants will be considered in the order of the following Areas of Consideration:
First Area of Consideration: Office of Research Oversight employees who are current, permanent employees.
Second Area of Consideration: VA employees - all other current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees not included in the first area of consideration.
Third Area of Consideration: All other candidates.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
