Epidemiology Health Science Specialist

Quick Facts

• Program focus: Epidemiology (Health Outcomes Military Exposures)
• Role: Health Science Specialist with senior advisory responsibilities
• Schedule: Full-time; compressed/flexible schedule (discussed in interview)
• Work model: Not virtual—must live within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance of the duty location

Description

Develop and lead scientific and technical standards for data collection and analysis supporting an epidemiology research and surveillance program. Provide leadership on study methods, protocols, and research proposal quality improvement initiatives while ensuring integrity and security of specialized data and protection of human subjects. Conduct epidemiologic studies, analyze data, and communicate results through presentations and publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop standards for collection and analysis of data and other program information
• Review project reports for investigator compliance with research program guidelines
• Define program goals, policies, priorities, and research plans
• Design and coordinate implementation of research methods and study design standards
• Provide scientific leadership; evaluate research proposals and quality improvement initiatives
• Perform administrative tasks to maintain integrity and security of specialized data and study designs
• Serve as senior advisor on research program development
• Consult with internal/external research stakeholders to develop mission-aligned opportunities
• Establish and evaluate screening and approval processes for research and surveillance
• Identify problems requiring corrective action and consider research activity and project management
• Conduct studies, analyze data, and present results via publications and presentations
• Prepare resource estimates for program delivery at different levels
• Create and maintain databases to support Veterans health research and promote collaboration
• Ensure proposals meet scientific review standards and human-subject protections

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Bachelor’s or graduate/higher degree in a medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences from an accredited program (transcript required)
• Selective Placement Factor: design, implement, oversee, and participate in scientific studies/surveys; conduct statistical analyses in an epidemiologic research setting
• Specialized experience: 1 year at the GS-13 level equivalent applying advanced epidemiology/public health/statistics/health services research methods to plan, implement, and evaluate complex research and surveillance programs
• Complete all required application steps, including the online assessment
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Sedentary work with periodic walking/standing/bending and occasional light carrying
• Serve a 1-year probationary period
• Influenza vaccination program participation required for VA Health Care Personnel

Benefits

A federal government career includes a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position (full-time/part-time/intermittent).