About this role
Job SummaryThis position serves as Without Compensation Research Biologist within the Office of Research and Development (ORD). The VA Research Program strives to promote Veteran-centered care to improve patient experiences and outcomes across VA healthcare and community settings, and to advance value-driven care by providing Veterans the highest quality care at the lowest financial burden. Please Note: There is no pay associated with this position
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/03/2026. Experience: You must possess general experience in any type of work that demonstrates designing and executing biochemical methods such as extraction of ribonucleic acid and protein, quantification, and characterization of primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells; or (2) generating and characterizing genetically modified animal models to study human diseases. AND, Education: You must possess a degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position OR do you possess a combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines, plus appropriate experience (Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application) You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major DutiesMajor Duties: Establish a research program and project to conduct grant-specific studies. Develop, adapt and pursue new experimental methodology as needed to fulfill research objectives. Coordinate ongoing studies with other investigators, collaborate with expertise, and design/write VA research applications and publish study results. Provide and present oral and written research presentations and identify clinically relevant areas for future investigations. Work Schedule: Intermittent Temporary (Without Compensation)RequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)