Research Health Science Specialist

Please note: There is no pay associated with this position. This position serves as Without Compensation (WOC) Research Data Scientist 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.

Major Duties: In this role, the Research Health Science Specialist provides operational leadership and technical expertise for VA healthcare projects, with key responsibilities including: End-to-end processing of human biospecimens and advanced molecular biology techniques such as sequencing library preparation for genomic and epigenomic profiling, heavy metal analysis via mass spectrometry in human blood and urine, and immune assays for hormones and protein markers in serum. Developing SOPs to increase laboratory throughput while utilizing R and Python to analyze complex datasets and generate high-quality visualizations. Perform advance molecular biology techniques, with a focus on sequencing library preparation for genomic and epigenomic profiling. Utilize R and Python to analyze complex biological datasets and generate high-quality figures for presentation and publication. Draft manuscripts, deliver seminar presentations, and provide critical technical support for grant writing and research proposals. Maintain active training and certifications essential for the rigorous demands of a VA research environment, including HIPAA, VA Human Research Protection, DoD Regulations and Requirements for Human Subject Research, VA Technology Transfer Program, VA Privacy and Information Security, and V16 Infection Prevention and Control. Further required certifications include Locally Delivered Hazardous Drugs, TMS Laboratory Safety, TMS Biosafety and Hazardous Waste, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2), and IATA/DOT UN3373 Category B Shipping. Work Schedule: Intermittent (Without Compensation)

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 identification 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)