Program Support Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Program Support Assistant (Research Service support)
• Schedule: Full time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm

Description

The Program Support Assistant provides administrative and programmatic support for a VA Research Service. The role supports the Research and Development Committee (R&DC), Institutional Review Board (IRB), Research Safety Subcommittee (SRS), and research leadership, and serves as the initial point of contact for principal investigators.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and program support to ensure research activities comply with laws, regulations, policies, procedures, ethical standards, and accreditation requirements
• Review research protocol submissions for completeness and accuracy and verify required documentation for committee review
• Coordinate administrative activities for R&DC, IRB, SRS, and other research committees
• Support investigators with research application guidance, submission requirements, administrative procedures, and regulatory processes
• Assist with mandatory research forms, supporting documentation, and electronic submission systems to meet compliance requirements
• Serve as ADPAC: manage computer access, PIV sponsorship, software support, troubleshooting, and annual access certifications
• Support research leadership with timekeeping, Government Purchase Card procurement, scheduling, logistical coordination, and office operations
• Coordinate research personnel credentialing and maintain education/training/competency records
• Serve as Records Liaison: implement and maintain research records management systems aligned with retention policies
• Coordinate communication and information exchange among leadership, investigators, regulatory committees, administrative staff, and external stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required
• Complete all required application steps, including an online assessment
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification (REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025)
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Complete a 1-year probationary period
• GS-6: 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5 (research administrative support; meeting coordination/timekeeping; review/processing/tracking of proposals and regulatory documents; electronic records/databases/tracking systems; Microsoft Office and automated systems)
• GS-7: 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-6 (independent research administrative/program support; compliance-focused review/coordinating submissions; committee coordination; records/databases/tracking management; interpreting policies to resolve issues; preparing correspondence/reports; recommending process improvements)
• No educational substitution at GS-6 or GS-7

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is offered. Eligibility depends on the type of position held and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.