This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications in USA Staffing will be reviewed based on the resume submitted and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager every 2 weeks until the announcement is closed, cancelled, or position filled.
Summary
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications in USA Staffing will be reviewed based on the resume submitted and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager every 2 weeks until the announcement is closed, cancelled, or position filled.
All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
- Clinical duties assigned would involve work in the outpatient setting at the Fargo VAHCS primary care, specialty care as otherwise specified based on the unique skills of the candidate and needs of the facility. It is anticipated that the position will be approximately 80% administrative and 20% clinical but may vary depending on the needs of the service line.
- The research scientist serves as a supervisory role in the Research and Development service at Fargo VA HCS. The purpose of the work is to provide expertise and leadership to the Office of Research Administration by furnishing advisory, planning, reviewing or investigative services on specific problems, project programs, and functions. The incumbent evaluates proposed or continuing research or clinical work against specified goals, objectives while providing technical and administrative advice, as well as recommendations for area of improvement. The work involves interpreting, applying guidelines, assessing program/proposal effectiveness by analyzing, resolving difficult, and complex problems. The work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, and developing new theories. The work and service affect other experts, providers, professors, Deans of College, Vice Presidents, Chancellors of Universities that affect administrative or scientific research program missions.
- The research scientist participates in the development and implementation of both long- and short-term research policies and plans for the HCS by coordination with administrative input and makes recommendations for leadership.
- The research includes human subjects, animal, and all other types of research and development activities which are instrumental to VHA. Compliance with a wide variety of national, federal, and state laws and VHA regulations is necessary to achieve the defined organizational goals and objectives, and the ACOS, R&D, is responsible for assuring this oversight.
- Resolving common problems, developing standard operating procedures, assisting investigators with the development of research projects and proposals, and providing advice following established criteria, goals, and objectives all fall within the scope of the duties of the ACOS, R&D. Successful completion of assignments assists in the ongoing operation of effective and efficient research projects and activities.
- The research scientist serves as Research Integrity Officer. The responsibilities are to coordinate investigations of alleged research misconduct (fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or reporting research results). The research scientist is Principal Investigator for the following unfunded projects: Women's Health Patient Aligned Care Teams Evidence-Based Quality improvement, Stranger Harassment Feedback, Rose Sustainment (ROSES) study, Women's Health ACHIEVE Project, National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), Statins Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness, Hypomagnesemia and Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use, Age, Education, and GED in Interpreting Cognitive Evaluations, The Effectiveness of Dry Needling as a Pain Management, Genomic and proteomic profiling on non-cancerous and cancerous tissues from cancer patients, and MRSA screening.
- The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) will determine whether alleged activities meet the definition of research misconduct and will inspect and sequester all research records related to the allegation. The RIO will oversee inquiries and investigations, maintain files of all documents and evidence, ensuring the confidentiality and security of those files, forwarding all information to the appropriate offices or people as required by these procedures, and otherwise act as a liaison between the VA facility and Office of ORO. The RIO will maintain safeguards for the respondents and the informants.
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting
Work Schedule: The typical work hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. Full-time staff are required to work a minimum of 80 hrs. per pay period (every two weeks) unless on leave status.
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
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.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Qualifications
Duties Continued:
- The employee serves as the Research Conflict of Interest (RCIO). The responsibilities require the incumbent to evaluate actual or potential conflicts that might need to be disclosed or managed. Factual disputes could be reasonably assumed to change behavior and require a management strategy to preserve public trust, prevent undue coercion or influence on human research subjects, and examine whether a potential conflict might result in a risk to the issue and hence require additional protection. The RCIO evaluates such conflicts and makes recommendations to the IRB for managing the dispute according to established guidelines.
- The primary purpose of the work is to perform complex and challenging advisory, management, assistance, and coordination functions that require interaction between many entities of the medical/scientific field and involve controversial, unconventional, or novel issues. Assignments typically require modifications of standard practices, adaptations or extensions of precedent decisions, and new approaches, methods, or techniques for a specific application. The work affects the management and operation of effective and efficient projects and activities, including the continuation of approved ongoing research programs, the initiation of new research programs, and the termination of disapproved research projects. - The position requires a mastery of the knowledge of the theories, principles, concepts, and methodologies of the health science field that are customarily acquired through education and training as a formally trained scientist from a doctoral program regarding research. The incumbent analyzes, evaluates, and provides expert advice and consultation, and methods, applications, and state-of- the-art technology in the position's program area of responsibility to provide direction and guidance on critical and complex issues to large community-based organizations, along with several states, and national research and development organizations.
- The research scientist has comprehensive knowledge of resource management, fiscal management, planning, public affairs, human resources, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), personnel management, information resource management and principles, practices in scientific area to manage the organizations research program.
- The research scientist uses skill in applying this knowledge to the development of new methods, approaches, or procedures in the coordination
of research projects or clinical studies. The incumbent performs complex analytical studies and interprets results to coordinate the evaluation of programs/research projects and recommend improvements. Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to make clear, convincing presentations, explain and justify recommendations, represent the agency, and assigned program or project areas, provide guidance, advise program administrators, respond to inquiries, and prepare reports for VISN and nationals agencies and are key competencies of the position. - The incumbent serves as subject matter expert for principal investigators of the Fargo VAHCS for manuscript writing and may be called upon for assistance in experimental design or statistical analysis.
- The incumbent is expected to develop or modify as needed the policies and procedures for the operation and function of the Research and Development Program, including the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), the Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP), and all other research activities. A knowledge of state and federal laws and VA regulations is required to address these complex scientific, medical, legal, administrative, regulatory issues adequately.
- The position requires expert knowledge of the principles and concepts of research and development, including strategic planning, budget preparation, public relations, grant writing, internal review, fiscal and personnel management.
- The position requires expert knowledge of regulations and standards affecting the conduct of research issued by the following national organizations: VHA Office of Research Oversight (ORO), VHA Office of Research & Development (ORD), Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), Office for Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals from the National Research Council, the Policies and Procedures of the University of South Dakota Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Science Foundation.
To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR
[(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR
(3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences.
Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.
Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are:
Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted, or
Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted.
For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, facility officials must verify with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) that the applicant has met requirements for certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. [If the applicant does not claim an ECFMG certificate, facility officials must still confirm that the medical school meets (or met) ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year the candidate graduated.]
NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities. The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
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.
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.
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.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. 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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
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 submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
To apply for this position online complete steps 1 and 2 above by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/26/2026 to receive consideration. Please note, this announcement may close prior to the closing date indicated if the position is filled through other means. If you are unable to apply online before the closing date click here and include the CBSY-12864119-26-JL in the Notes field.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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.
Fargo VA Medical Center
2101 Elm Street
Fargo, ND 58102
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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.
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.
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). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
To apply for this position online complete steps 1 and 2 above by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/26/2026 to receive consideration. Please note, this announcement may close prior to the closing date indicated if the position is filled through other means. If you are unable to apply online before the closing date click here and include the CBSY-12864119-26-JL in the Notes field.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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.
Fargo VA Medical Center
2101 Elm Street
Fargo, ND 58102
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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.
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.
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). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
