This position is located in the Research and Development (R&D) Service at the John Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. The Health Science Specialist is fully responsible to manage clinical tests, ensure development, coordination, and technical management of databases, collect data, recruit, and manage subjects for clinical trials and provide high level site support of projects in a comprehensive research setting, providing day-to-day support for the VA Research Program.
All applicants must meet the following Basic Education Requirement: Basic Education Requirement: Possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in a major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position. NOTE: You must submit copies of transcripts at the time of application. Education will not be credited without documentation. ~AND~ In addition to the Basic Education Requirement, to qualify for the GS-9 level, you must meet one of the following requirements: Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Health Science Specialist - Research and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes coordinating and managing the day-to-day clinical research projects and programs; enrolling and interviewing patients and obtaining informed consent; monitoring progress of clinical research projects; conducting research investigatory processes, study-related interviewing, compilation and analysis of data; and making recommendations of findings. 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. ~OR~ Education: Successful completion of two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree related to the position that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position (as described above). NOTE: Copies of transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Communications Manages and Organizes Information Project Management Research 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 with occasional walking, standing, and handling and carrying items such as paper and books. There may be an occasion need to assist study participants with mobility to study location(s). 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/.
***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 and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Manages Clinical Tests and Collects Data: Manage implementation, control and reporting on clinical tests. Implement data collection and monitor protocols for difficult clinical research studies. Administer or monitor administration of tests and measurements required by project design. Record data from samples and specimens to ensure that all tracking data is organized and is monitored during the progress of the study. Identify test results and trends requiring further analysis. Prepare project and statistical reports for review process. Participate in initial classification and coding of qualitative/quantitative data and entering coding data into qualitative/quantitative software. Participate in activities in preparation of, and subsequent to, collection of study data. Assist with data analysis from a variety of sources, including databases and spreadsheets, and conceive and write reports as needed. Monitor data collection processes ensuring data integrity and completeness. Help respond to inquiries from a sponsor, clinical research coordinating center and/or site Pl on matters related to data, data compliance, and subject complaints related to data collection. Develop and maintain/update study database in accordance to sponsor and/or Pl's specifications. Assist Pl with data analyses and interpretation Recruits and Manages Candidates for Clinical Trials: Oversee, screen and evaluate recruitment of candidates for clinical research studies via telephone and/or in person. Use objective rating techniques to identify potential candidates for participation in study where project design is complex. Oversee recruitment and enrollment of participants, providing information on study objectives and constraints. Perform informed consent process throughout the study and continuously educate participants on study processes and procedures. Manage subject reimbursements and travel. Perform day-to-day activities related to conducting and overseeing participant interview and follow-up. Identify study adverse events and side effects, symptoms which might require intervention or referrals in order to facilitate treatment of clinical research participants. Research Project Support: Assist supervisor/PI with managing the routine, day-to-day activities and administration of the project. Plan, develop, complete and submit on time all required documentation/paperwork/forms for initial and continuing human subject's review. Provide technical guidance to research staff regarding regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the conduct of research. Monitor project progress and timelines as required. Schedule meetings, including scheduling meeting space, notifying participants, preparing the agenda, and minutes and following-up on all commitments to ensure that necessary arrangements have been made. Manage participant compensation, maintain compensation records and prepare invoices or electronic funds transfer for reimbursement of participants. Assist in the development of clinical research standard operation procedures and policies including those ensuring the protection of human subjects. Prepare information for research project evaluation functions. Gather statistical and narrative data on project status, and Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved