The Health Science Specialist serves as a Senior Investigator responsible for independently planning, developing, implementing, directing, and evaluating complex scientific research projects within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This position is located in the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Collaborative (MAVERIC) Core Laboratory at the VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHCS) in Boston, MA.
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** NOTE: This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 3 years). Term appointments are non-status, non-permanent appointments of limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4).
Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition (up to the 4 year maximum).
The appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment. Major duties include but are not limited to: Independently plans, initiates, develops, conducts, and evaluates complex laboratory research projects and scientific investigations.
Designs experimental approaches, establishes research methodologies, develops hypotheses, and determines appropriate scientific techniques to achieve research objectives. Analyzes and interprets complex scientific data, evaluates experimental findings, and develops recommendations based on research results. Provides scientific and technical leadership in tissue banking, DNA banking, and related laboratory research activities.
Develops and implements innovative research techniques, evaluates emerging scientific technologies, and resolves complex technical and methodological challenges. Coordinates research activities and provides technical guidance, training, and oversight to laboratory personnel, research staff, and collaborating investigators. Evaluates research progress, identifies operational challenges, and recommends improvements to scientific procedures and laboratory practices.
Prepares scientific manuscripts, research reports, presentations, and other technical documents for dissemination at professional meetings and in scientific publications. Develops research proposals and pursues funding opportunities to support research activities. Collaborates with internal and external research groups to exchange scientific knowledge, coordinate investigations, and advance research initiatives.
Participates in research-related committees, including Research and Development, Animal Studies, and Human Studies committees, as applicable. Ensures laboratory and research activities comply with applicable policies, institutional requirements, safety procedures, and research regulations. Maintains accurate scientific documentation, research records, and data necessary to support research integrity and program objectives. Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. There is no educational substitution at the GS-13 grade level. NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov · (844)456-5208
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $120548 – $156715/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-04.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-28 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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