(06/29/22) Data Visualization and Information Specialist - Portland, OR or remote

The VA Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) is a national research program focused on improving Veteran health and wellbeing through tailored evidence synthesis products. ESP produces high-quality, timely, and innovative syntheses designed to support the implementation of effective practices across the VHA system. ESP syntheses have resulted in positive changes to clinical practice and policy and have informed quality improvement and research-focused initiatives at the national level. The program comprises four Centers across the US and a Coordinating Center (CC) located in Portland, Oregon.

POSITION DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The ESP is seeking a Data Visualization and Information (DVI) Specialist to examine and interpret findings of narrative and/or quantitative evidence syntheses (ie, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and related research products) and produce appealing visualizations that effectively facilitate reader understanding of, and engagement with, those findings. The DVI Specialist will also be involved in production of program administrative reports and scientific communication tools (eg, presentations, reporting templates, dashboards, etc) and in program-wide quality assurance activities, such as development and implementation of data visualization standards and practices.

The ideal individual for this role is an innovative thinker that possesses extensive knowledge of principles and practices of effective scientific communication, advanced skillsets in data visualization and scientific report production, and an understanding of health research, statistics and statistical analyses, and systematic reviewing. The individual in this role should also have a broad awareness and appreciation of how scientific evidence supports and enables decision-making processes. Finally, because the individual in this role will support program-wide activities, they should have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a large number of team members using remote communication and project management platforms (eg, Microsoft Teams). 

The DVI Specialist may work fully remotely, or in person at the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, Oregon.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in data science/informatics, social or health science, public health, or similar field with prior coursework or other training in health research, statistics and statistical analysis, and/or scientific or technical writing (including effective scientific communication principles and practices).
• Expertise in data visualization (ie, production of plots, infographics, tables, etc) using R or similar platforms.
• Ability to proactively solicit and positively receive feedback, and iteratively improve output based on feedback.
• Experience contributing to scientific manuscripts and presentations.
• Aptitude for learning new software tools and technology.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• U.S. citizen.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in data science/informatics or similar field.
• Extensive training in data science/informatics, health research, statistics and statistical analysis, scientific or technical writing, and/or evidence synthesis (systematic reviews, technology assessments, etc).
• Experience producing visually appealing and well-organized scientific or technical reports.
• Experience communicating research findings to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to identify relationships in data to assist in providing insights.
• Proficiency in Tableau or related interactive data visualization platform.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams on a broad range of topics.
• Interest in advancing systematic review or scientific communication methods.

COMPENSATION

• Salary at the GS-9 or 11 level, contingent on education, experience, and location.
• Position is a term appointment eligible for full benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

The anticipated start date for the position is August 2022, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should provide the following by email to Nicole Floyd (nicole.floyd@va.gov):

• Cover letter describing interests and qualifications
• CV/resume
• 3-5 sample visualizations developed by the applicant and exemplifying principles of effective data visualization and scientific communication. Standalone images (eg, plots or infographics) should be placed in a Microsoft Word document and be accompanied by a brief narrative description of the context for the visualization (eg, a summary of the research study or analysis that produced the visualized findings). Journal articles, technical reports, or other publications in which all visualizations were developed by the applicant may be submitted without further description.

The VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to be an equal opportunity organization that does not discriminate against applicants based on any protected class status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity, and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.

(06/06/22) Research Physician in Primary Care - Durham, NC

Ambulatory Care Service and Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) at the Durham VA Health Care System are seeking a Clinician-Investigator to join a vibrant group of clinical and health services researchers with cross institution collaborations. All areas of research relevant to primary care are welcome, including health equity, chronic illness management, sex/gender specific care, health promotion and behavior change, and implementation science.

Durham VA Health Care System provides world-class health care to more than 200,000 Veterans living across central and eastern North Carolina. The successful candidate will deliver clinical care and conduct research with the nationally renowned HSR&D Center of Innovation (COIN) to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation. To learn more about ADAPT investigators and resources, please visit our website: Durham Center of Innovation to ADAPT Home

Duke University is a primary clinical and research partner of Durham VA, and the successful candidate may be eligible for a Duke School of Medicine appointment in the relevant clinical department. Durham is known as a great city to live, work, and play, and a destination that offers celebrated arts, dining, sports, and more. World class facilities like the Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art blend with nearly 100 City-owned parks and recreation facilities. For more information see: https://www.discoverdurham.com/

We value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to be an equal opportunity organization that does not discriminate against applicants based on any protected class status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Beginning salary range is $200,000 - $243,000 per year. VA offers a competitive benefits package. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan payment reimbursement program.

For additional information on duties, requirements, and how to apply, please visit:

USAJOBS - Job Announcement

Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2022.

(06/01/22) Research Program Manager - Portland, OR

Expected starting salary: $70,853 + benefits (GS11), Full Time

Position Summary: We are a seeking motivated, independent, and experienced candidate for a full-time Research Program Manager position to assist a Principal Investigator (PI) in the VA Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC) with multiple research projects intended to advance the prevention and treatment of common and significant mental health issues and conditions that affect Veterans. Specific projects are related to suicide prevention, women’s mental health, social determinants of health, and reintegrating service members. We are looking for candidates that can work independently to support a research team to achieve project aims and deadlines across multiple projects. The ideal candidates will be highly skilled in project coordination and have advanced knowledge of human subject protections, demonstrated experience with manuscript and grant development, and multiple years of prior experience leading a range of human subjects research studies, across multiple methods.

This position is located at the VA Portland Health Care System’s Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC) (https://www.portlandcoin.research.va.gov/). CIVIC’s mission is to conduct research that empowers veterans to improve their health through engagement in self-care, engagement with VA and non-VA healthcare systems, and engagement in the research process.

The VA HSRD CIVIC is a research center housed at the VA Portland Health Care System with strong ties to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The CIVIC community is committed to developing, fostering, and retaining a diverse workforce. We seek applicants who have experience working with diverse communities and on diverse teams. In addition, we seek candidates who have experience engaging, communicating with, and incorporating perspectives from multiple diverse or underrepresented communities into research.

This study team values individuals at all points in their career trajectories and is committed to fostering the professional growth of its staff. Within our team, we have multiple ongoing projects and collaborations with other investigators that provide opportunities for additional data analysis, data collection, and cross-team experiences to support motivated staff in reaching professional development goals. Within CIVIC, and the broader VA and OHSU communities, there are many opportunities for continuing education and training related to a broad variety of topics. Such opportunities include OHSU Departmental Grand Rounds or larger events, research in progress meetings, CIVIC conferences, analyst drop-in sessions, qualitative forums, funding for participation in external training opportunities (e.g., workshops, conference attendance), and more.

This position is eligible for modified work schedules, a transit pass, as well as paid vacation, sick leave, and a range of healthcare and retirement benefits: https:/www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EmploymentBenefits. 

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility is to assist the PI in leading a growing research team conducting multiple studies including clinical trials of behavioral interventions, mixed-methods research, longitudinal surveys, systematic reviews, and big-data projects. Specific duties will depend on qualifications and professional development goals, but may include:

• Managing day-to-day study activities and achieving study milestones to meet project objectives
• Developing standard operating procedures and ensuring that project activities are being conducted with fidelity to research protocols
• Supporting and coordinating with research associates, research assistants, and interventionists to troubleshoot any issues that arise and support completion of study tasks
• Assisting project managers with study coordination across several projects, as needed, to help guide workload prioritization and delegation
• Maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other regulatory compliance correspondence
• Leading writing and preparation of scholarly manuscripts for scientific journals and presentations of study findings at professional meetings in collaboration with the PI
• Providing quantitative data management and analysis support
• Ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality
• Assisting with managing multi-million-dollar budgets
• Helping develop grant submissions/resubmissions
• Additional administrative tasks as needed

Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD a relevant field (e.g., psychology, sociology, public health), or a Master’s degree and several years relevant employment experience beyond graduation
• Prior experience independently leading/organizing a large research study
• Prior experience independently training and coordinating staff
• Prior experience with clinical trials
• Experience with quantitative data management and related programs/software such as REDCap or Excel
• Basic quantitative data analysis skills
• Publication history in scientific journals; able to serve as the lead author on manuscripts with little/no oversight
• Advanced knowledge of policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern projects, including those specific to research-based projects (e.g., IRB)
• Strong conceptual, analytic, oral and written communication skills, and ability to work independently
• Ability to appropriately balance project goals, ethics, and professional interactions with participants
• Rigorous attention to detail and record keeping
• Resourcefulness and sound professional/ethnical judgment
• Commitment to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Must be a US citizen (due to being a U.S. federal government-funded position)

Preferred qualifications (beyond minimum):

• Experience with a wide range of research methods (e.g., survey, observational, qualitative)
• Multiple first-author publications in scientific journals
• Experience managing project budgets

Telework/remote work

Telework options will be discussed with applicants, but some periodic onsite work will be required.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send both a cover letter and a resume/CV to Katie McDonald, by email at Katie.McDonald@va.gov with the subject line ‘Research program manager.’

(05/31/22) VA Virtual Care Project Coordinator - West Haven, CT

Dr. Eric Hermes and the HSR&D Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, is seeking to fill a Project Coordinator position to oversee the management of health services related VA research studies oriented towards virtual care.

Job Details:

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Tentative start date: No later than October 1, 2022
• This position is anticipated to be an in-person position, but there may also be tele-working arrangements available.

Job Description: The Project Coordinator will oversee and coordinate multiple research projects simultaneously, which include multi-site effectiveness and implementation trials as well as pilot trials. Example responsibilities include:

1. Lead research team of other research personnel and facilitate research team meetings
2. Track and maintain study goals and timeline
3. Monitor procedures for implementation, recruitment, screening, enrollment, and intervention delivery
4. Maintain IRB approval and other regulatory requirements
5. Coordinate research activities and approvals at multiple sites
6. Work with Principal Investigators to disseminate research through reports and manuscripts
7. Work with the research team to develop new research ideas and projects

Requirements: Master’s degree in allied health science field with three years of related experience, or a doctorate in an allied health science field with 1 year of related experience. Candidates with degrees in public health, health services research, epidemiology, psychology, health sciences (or related field) and experience in research in healthcare-related settings will be considered. Knowledge and skills in project management, familiarity with IRB and research regulations, and willingness to learn and work collaboratively are required. Experience managing multiple projects and proficiency with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms preferred. Must be highly motivated, organized, and autonomous with excellent multi-tasking ability and record-keeping, and possess a professional demeanor with excellent interpersonal skills.U.S. citizenship is required.

Contact: Please E-mail a cover letter and resume to Eric Hermes, M.D. (eric.hermes@va.gov).

(05/12/22) Psychology Research Assistant - Boston, MA

Job Description: The  National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Sciences Division at VA Boston HealthCare System is seeking up to four full-time Research Assistants for an early summer (June/July) start date. The research assistant(s) will work closely with Principal Investigators and Division staff on research projects related to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), PTSD treatment and treatment outcome clinical trials, gender differences in traumatic stress exposure and comorbidity with self-destructive behaviors (e.g., self-directed violence, disordered eating, substance use), and health outcomes and stressors unique to women Veterans. Primary responsibilities include conducting telephone and in-person screening sessions, data collection, data analysis, participant recruitment and screening, administrative management of research studies, and assistance in the preparation of grants, presentations, and manuscripts. 

Setting: The Women's Health Sciences Division in Boston, MA, specializes in the study of women Veterans and non-Veterans, with a particular focus on understanding gender differences in trauma exposure, trauma and stress in marginalized groups, community violence, and polytrauma psychopathology.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related discipline; research experience. Interest in/experience working with individuals at risk of self-directed violence desired for one of the research technician positions.

Time Commitment: Two years, with the possibility of an extension.

Anticipated Start Date: June-July 2022

How to apply: Please submit:

1) a letter describing your interest in the position and related career goals, 

2) a curriculum vita or resume, 

3) a current unofficial transcript, and

4) contact information for three references.

This is an ideal position for those intending to apply to graduate school (MA or Ph.D.) in clinical psychology or a related discipline. Opportunities to present at national conferences and contribute to academic publications are available and encouraged.

Application/questions should be submitted to Lauren McSweeney, Ph.D., (lauren.mcsweeney@va.gov).  Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled.

The Department of Veteran Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

(05/12/22) Research Librarian (Systematic Reviews) - Portland, OR or remote

This position is housed in the Research and Development Service located at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Portland Health Care System in Portland, Oregon. The incumbent will serve as a Research Librarian (Health Science Specialist) in the Coordinating Center for the Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP), a national VA Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D) research program.

Since 2007, the ESP has focused on improving Veteran health and wellbeing through the production of tailored evidence synthesis products to support the implementation of effective practices. ESP’s high-quality, timely, and innovative syntheses have resulted in positive changes to clinical practice and policy and have informed quality improvement and research-focused initiatives at the national level. The program comprises 4 ESP Centers across the US and a Coordinating Center (CC) located in Portland, Oregon. Center Directors are VA clinicians and recognized leaders in the field of evidence synthesis with close ties to the AHRQ Evidence-based Practice Center Program. The CC manages national program operations, conducts initial scoping and feasibility assessment of systematic review topics nominated to the ESP, and houses the Rapid Response program, which responds to urgent evidence needs through the production of rapid evidence synthesis products (eg, ESP Evidence Briefs).

POSITION DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Research Librarian with the ESP, the incumbent’s primary responsibility is to develop and conduct scientific literature searches on a variety of health services and clinical topics in collaboration with evidence synthesis researchers and subject matter experts. Specific duties for this position include:

• Developing, documenting, and executing search strategies to facilitate 1) initial scoping of proposed systematic review topics, 2) production of systematic reviews assigned to ESP Centers, and 3) production of Rapid Response evidence synthesis products at the ESP CC. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to: translating topic analytic models and eligibility criteria to systematic search strategies, adapting strategies to multiple databases, conducting gray literature searches, comprehensively documenting search strings (terms, filters, limits, etc) and results, and accurately populating Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) diagrams.
• Assisting with reference management using EndNote and systematic review screening software. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to: creating EndNote and systematic review screening software libraries populated with search results, carrying out full-text retrieval, ensuring accuracy of library contents, and supporting citation management during Rapid Response evidence synthesis product development.
• Providing bibliometrics for program progress reports.
• Engaging in relevant training and professional development. Specific activities include, but are not limited to: maintaining awareness of current systematic review trends and tools, attending training webinars and tutorials when possible on methods and software for performing systematic reviews, and providing team training (as required).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in library and information science, or related field
• Experience developing and conducting complex search strategies for systematic reviews, including using health-related databases (eg, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, etc); using controlled and keyword vocabulary, MeSH terms, and Boolean and proximity operators; and searching gray literature
• Skill in using reference management software other than EndNote (eg, Zotero).
• S. citizen

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience as an academic or medical librarian conducting research and systematic reviews on health-related topics
• Familiarly with best practices in documenting and reporting literature searches, including the PRISMA standards for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Skill in using EndNote, or other citation management software
• Proficiency in systematic review screening software (eg, PICO Portal, DistillerSR, Covidence, or EPPI-Reviewer)
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams on a broad range of topics
• Strong technical writing and editing skills
• Exceptional organizational, time and personnel management, and communication skills
• Interest in advancing systematic review methods
• A high level of independence, judgment, and teamwork

COMPENSATION

• Health Science Specialist position with an expected full-time starting salary: $58,560 (GS-9) / $70,853 (GS-11) depending on education, experience, and location
• Term appointment: position is eligible for full benefits
• Remote work options available

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should provide a cover letter describing interests and qualifications and CV/resume to Nicole Floyd (nicole.floyd@va.gov).

Expected start date is July 2022.

The VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to be an equal opportunity organization that does not discriminate against applicants based on any protected class status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion, are encouraged to apply.

(05/11/22) Research Psychology Technician - Salisbury, NC

The Salisbury VA Medical Center is hiring a full-time Psychology Technician. This position will be part of a dynamic team that supports research activities for all Center studies. This position is based in Salisbury, NC.  Ad-hoc telework is available, but this position is not virtual.

• Key duties:
• Assessing and administering various psychological tests and instruments including the WAIS and Weschler Tests
• Documenting results and patient/participant interactions
• Screening and recruiting research participants
• Entering research data and assisting in assessing patients
• Supporting research quality control and safety efforts through proper documentation tracking and maintenance
• Assisting with maintaining and updating study databases

• Qualifications:
• Education: You must have Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in an appropriate social or biological science, which included or was supplemented by 12 semester hours in psychology. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with a diverse group of researchers and staff
• Experience with customer service, particularly by telephone and e-mail
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Solid problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) required

Interested applicants should submit their CV, cover letter, and verification of education to Amy.Morris3@va.gov

(02/03/22) PhD Health Services Researcher - San Francisco, CA

The Center for Health Care Improvement and Medical Effectiveness (CHIME) at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVA) and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Medicine/Division of General Internal Medicine are looking for highly qualified investigators with expertise in epidemiology, health services/outcomes research, anthropology, implementation science, data science, economic analysis, and/or related fields. Ideal candidates will be mid- or senior-level scientists with productive research programs and independent external funding. Experience working in VA settings and/or using data from VA electronic health records is desirable.  

 We are looking for candidates that have:    

• PhD or equivalent research doctoral degree in a relevant discipline  
• Demonstrated ability to conduct scholarly research  
• Capacity to obtain external peer-reviewed funding  
• Experience mentoring trainees   
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion  

SFVA has the largest medical research program in the national VA system, with $75 million in annual research expenditures. CHIME (https://chime.ucsf.edu) is a multidisciplinary collaboration hub where VA investigators, UCSF faculty, and postdoctoral fellows use data analytics, health services research, and implementation science to improve health. SFVA and UCSF are committed to achieving excellence through diversity.  

Candidates can learn more about the position here: https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03703  

(12/30/21) Research Specialist: Web Programmer - Seattle, Washington

The VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Information Dissemination and Education Resources (CIDER) is recruiting a web programmer with strong database skills. This full-time position is with a national program responsible for the technical development and maintenance of a database and website that support reporting of research and compliance-related processes for HSR&D.

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Web Programmer will:

• Develop and maintain complex web-based applications or modify existing applications to meet specific Research Service needs
• Manage and design tests to ensure proper performance
• Coordinate the implementation of new web-based user applications including testing and debugging with Database Administrator and other team members
• Collaborate with team members and other research staff to continuously improve user experience
• Troubleshoot technical problems or problems related to changes in the IT environment
• Provide assistance and technical advice to individuals and groups; respond in a timely manner to reported problems and alerts
• Write and edit comprehensive, technical documentation
• Conduct special projects at the request of Program Director

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a science field; Advanced degree preferred
• Experience working in a research environment; familiarity with research processes
• 3+ years of web programming experience
• Experience with ColdFusion/CFML, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, XML, SQL and AJAX programming technique are necessary. If no CFML experience, strong experience with other scripting languages and a willingness to learn CFML acceptable. Dreamweaver or other IDE experience preferred.
• Programming experience involving large data sets
• Solid testing experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills
• U.S. citizenship is required

Other Information

Full-time position

Location: Seattle, Washington

Salary: $70K - $100K plus benefits depending on education and experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please send a cover letter and resume to: jane.altemose@va.gov . Open until filled.

(12/15/21) SQL Database Administrator/Programmer - Seattle, WA

The VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Information Dissemination and Education Resources (CIDER) is recruiting a programmer with database administration and application development experience, a strong understanding of web-based interfaces, and experience programming in a research environment. This full-time position is with a national program responsible for the technical development and maintenance of a database and website that support reporting of research and compliance-related processes for HSR&D.

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Research Specialist will:

• Manage and support technical development for the Program
• Administer all aspects of a large SQL relational database; help build the structure and design of the database including managing large tables, maintaining schemas, writing stored procedures, and developing queries and utilities; manage automated SQL Server job development, scheduling and monitoring
• Design and implement software applications and database specifications (often in a team setting) or modify existing applications to meet specific Research Service needs
• Coordinate the implementation of new web-based user applications including testing and debugging
• Oversee technical maintenance of systems and servers; troubleshoot technical problems; manage permissions and security measures
• Provide assistance and technical advice to individuals and groups; respond in a timely manner to reported problems and alerts
• Write and edit comprehensive, technical documentation
• Conduct special projects at the request of Program Director

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (science degree required); Advanced degree preferred
• Experience working in a research environment; familiarity with research processes
• 3-5 years of programming experience; including writing complex operations, queries, and scripts
• Expert-level knowledge in Microsoft SQL Server database administration, and related products; including database design and documentation; also data backup, recovery, security, integrity; experience with MS Access preferred
• Working knowledge and skill in advanced Web programming techniques and languages, including HTML, JavaScript, ColdFusion, JAVA, XML, OLAP, Adobe Dreamweaver development tools; and browsers including MS Edge, MS Internet Explorer and Chrome.
• Solid testing experience
• Analytical mindset and good problem-solving skills; highly organized
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• U.S. citizenship is required
• COVID-19 vaccination required for Federal employees

Other Information

Full-time position

Location: Seattle, Washington

Salary: $70K - $100K plus benefits depending on education and experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please send a cover letter and resume to: jane.altemose@va.gov. Open until filled.