Physician (Chief of Research)

Quick Facts

• Location: Grand Junction, CO

Description

Oversee and lead all research activities conducted by VA personnel, ensuring alignment with clinical, research, and education goals. Administer R&D programs (including R&D Committee operations), manage proposal expansion and submission, maintain accreditation, and handle resource and fiscal management of approved R&D funds and non-VA monies. Provide technical guidance to research investigators, serve as principal/co-investigator or program director, and support publications and presentations; board-certified/eligible physicians also maintain a clinical caseload for consultation across programs and partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and responsibility for all research activities and human research protection program leadership.
• Administer WCHCS R&D programs, including operation of the R&D Committee and subcommittees.
• Expand and submit research proposals, maintain accreditation, and manage R&D funds and non-VA resources.
• Integrate R&D programs with the health care program to improve quality and timely patient care.
• Advise and provide direction/technical assistance to investigators for proposal submission and funded research conduct.
• Serve as principal investigator, co-investigator, or program director on peer-review and special research initiatives.
• Initiate and develop new research protocols, including basic science and clinical studies and joint ventures.
• Support preparation and submission of research manuscripts for publication and national/international presentations.
• Maintain board certification/eligibility to carry a caseload and consult with clinical programs and community partners.
• Communicate and collaborate across multiple disciplines within WCHCS specialties.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only if VA cannot recruit qualified citizens per VA policy).
• MD (or equivalent DO) degree from a VA-approved school.
• Current, full, unrestricted license to practice medicine/surgery in a U.S. state/territory/commonwealth or DC.
• Completed accredited residency training leading to board certification eligibility (with VA exceptions described).
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements and pass a physical evaluation/examination.
• Urinalysis testing if selected for a testing-designated position (refusal results in denial of employment).
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, paid federal holidays, and possible paid absence for CME).
• Traditional federal pension and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contributions.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options.
• Possible $1,000/year CME reimbursement (full-time with board certification).
• Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Ad-hoc telework basis per local policy.