Paid VA research positions – Honors connection

March 20, 2018

Paid VA research positions – Honors connection

Recent alumni or students preparing to graduate this spring are invited to connect with a member of the Honors Advisory Board about opportunities at the VA (Veteran’s Administration). Many people consider the VA a great place to gain experience conducting research and offering services in a professional setting at the start of their careers or prior to medical school.

UW Honors Alumna Erica Tartaglione loves her work at the VA and has offered to have an informal chat with graduating students and recent alumni. Take a look at these current openings and email her to set up a chat as you’re deciding whether and how to pursue these opportunities.

Erica.Tartaglione@va.gov

 

Current Openings:

Colonoscopy vs. Fecal Immunochemical Test in Reducing Mortality from Colorectal Cancer (CONFIRM) CSP #577 

National Study Research Assistant (GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9 based on research experience):

Fulltime, Monday – Friday approximately 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.

The CONFIRM study (Colonoscopy vs. Fecal Immunochemical Test in Reducing Mortality from Colorectal Cancer CSP #577) is seeking a qualified applicant to join an experienced team of research staff. The CONFIRM study is the largest interventional study the VA has ever done to date. It has 46 participating VA Medical Centers nationwide, two Co-Chairs offices in Seattle, WA and White River Junction, VT, a coordinating center in West Haven, CT and a pharmacy coordinating center in Albuquerque, NM. The 42 participating sites will be divided between the two Co-Chair offices for follow-up of the expected 50,000 study participants. The National Study Research Assistant will assist the Study Co-Chairman and National Study Coordinator in the daily administration of the study. The incumbent will provide direct support to the Local Site Investigators at the participating VA Medical Centers to manage required clinical follow-up for study participants. The incumbent will assist the National Study Coordinator and provide continuity should the National Study Coordinator leave or experience an extended absence. The incumbent will verify the accuracy of reports, adherence to protocol, answer inquiries, and develop close communications between the Chairman‘s office and the 46 participating medical centers, the West Haven Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center (CSPCC), and the Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center (CSPCRPCC) in Albuquerque, NM. This position will require an individual who understands the basic principles of scientific investigation and clinical trials, who is capable of in-depth understanding of the study protocol, and who is capable of making difficult decisions independently. Thus, the incumbent must possess scientific, organizational, and interpersonal skills. A BS or higher is required; a degree in scientific research-related field is strongly recommended. The position is fulltime; Monday through Friday approximately 8:00 – 4:30 pm. The position is a GS-5 (approximately $36,213 per year), GS-7 (approximately $44,857 per year) or GS-9 (approximately $54,869 per year) based on the incumbent’s research experience and includes full federal benefits. This position is subject to random drug testing which includes marijuana as this is a Federal organization and marijuana use is not legal federally.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. a) The incumbent will be responsible for assisting West Haven CSPCC with the Central IRB submission and assisting all sites with the completion of the local R&D/IRB approval process.
  2. b) The incumbent will be expected to independently answer questions about the technical aspects of the study. These technical aspects include subject screening, randomization and follow-up procedures.
  3. c) The incumbent will be responsible for communicating with study personnel at each participating site, the West Haven CSPCC and the Albuquerque CSPCRPCC to answer queries, clarify or correct data, handle study related problems, and to act as liaison
  4. d) The incumbent will assist in the planning and coordination of various study-related meetings and conference calls, prepare the study newsletter, minutes of meetings, reports and correspondence. Incumbent must have superior organizational skills.
  5. e) The incumbent will contact participants about change of address status and obtain medical records from VA and non-VA facilities for the use of the adjudication committee.
  6. f) The incumbent will use search services if participants cannot be located.
  7. g) The incumbent will respond to positive flags from the annual survey.
  8. h) The incumbent will assist with the planning and coordination of recruitment efforts at the sites.
  9. i) The incumbent will report to the Study Chairman, West Haven CSPCC, and CSPCRPCC if any problems that occur.

 

Ideal Candidates Will have the Following Attributes:

  • BS or higher degree in a scientific research-related field
  • 1 or more years of experience in health-related research studies
  • Strong organizational, analytic and communication skills
  • Familiarity with research compliance issues and regulations
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
  • US citizenship

Please send a cover letter and resume by e-mail to Meaghan.Larson@va.gov. If you have questions about the position, please feel free to contact Meaghan.Larson@va.gov.

 

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NOTE: 3 positions open for Dr. Laura Feemster’s research group (Research Coordinator 2018)

Research Study Coordinator

VA Puget Sound Health Care System

100% FTE

 

We are accepting applications for a part or full time Study Coordinator who will work under the supervision of Laura C. Feemster, MD, MS as a key team member on a series of studies. This position will require an individual who understands the basic principles of scientific investigation and clinical trials, who is capable of in-depth understanding of the study protocol, and who is capable of making difficult decisions independently. Thus, the candidate must possess scientific, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The candidate must be willing to assist with tasks for other studies as needed. A BS or higher is required; a degree in scientific research-related field is strongly recommended. The position is fulltime; Monday through Friday approximately 8:00 – 4:30 pm. The position is a GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9 based on the incumbent’s research experience and includes full federal benefits. This position is subject to random drug testing which includes marijuana as this is a Federal organization and marijuana use is not legal federally.

 

The study coordinator will:

  • Provide daily operational support
  • Provide technical assistance to facilitate compliance with applicable IRB, human subjects and data security guidelines and regulations
  • Assist with development and maintenance of databases and files
  • Prepare written reports and document procedures
  • Assist with subject recruitment for studies by screening for eligibility and obtaining informed consent
  • Conduct study visits and administer questionnaires
  • Enter data into study databases
  • Prepare mailings
  • Track recruitment activities
  • Record minutes for project meetings
  • Assist with grant submissions, including preparing applications, conducting literature reviews, and other tasks as needed

 

Candidates should have the following characteristics and/or abilities:

  • BA/BS or at least 5+ years of employment in health research
  • Outstanding organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Familiarity with research compliance regulations
  • Keen attention to detail
  • Eager to learn new skills
  • US citizenship

 

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by e-mail to:

Brianna Moss

Research Project Manager
HSRD, Department of Veterans Affairs
1660 S Columbian Way; Mail box S-152-HSRD-MOSS

Seattle, WA 98108

Phone: 206-277-4166
Email: Brianna.moss@va.gov