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Research Health Science Specialist GS for the Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center (ZVAMC)

Overview:

As a Research Health Science Specialist, the incumbent will act as a Project Director and analyst for the ZVAMC Initiative on Research and Quality (ZIRQ). As a Project Director, the incumbent is responsible for leading projects in collaboration with clinical subject matter experts. This will include contributing to the scientific design of projects, managing timelines, and directing project staff. Primary responsibilities will be developing the research approach for each assigned project, identifying existing data relevant to the project and directing project staff to produce data identified as necessary for project success. The position requires an in-depth knowledge and application of the principles of project management; strong communication skills; and, work knowledge in a healthcare research setting using economic and clinical information system and databases. 

Summary of activities:

The incumbent will be responsible for the overall operational management of activities associated with the creation of project-specific databases and the conduct of related statistical analyses. Specific responsibilities will include:

 Using SQL to create datasets from large amounts of raw data

 Merging large datasets together

 Applying operational definitions in SAS

 Checking for errors and inconsistencies in the data and ensuring corrections are made

 Performing statistical programming and analysis in SAS

 Assisting in the interpretation of analyses

 Producing written reports, tables, and figures for data presentation

 Assisting investigators with regulatory paperwork and requirements, including data access requests

 Management and organization of project-related files

 Adhering to data security requirements

 Maintaining a professional demeanor in performance of duties and meeting deadlines

 Communicating verbally and in writing with investigators, research associates, other staff

Qualifications:

A Master’s Degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field is required; 2 years demonstrated experience with database design, cleaning, and management with a variety of large health care databases could substitute for the Masters. Additional highly preferred skills include SQL, SAS, and MS Excel programming and report generation at an intermediate to expert level; recent or current experience cleaning and managing VA data and statistical knowledge at an intermediate to expert level.

&Supervision of this position is the responsibility of the Director for Health Services Research.   

Contact information: This is a federally funded position. Contact Jeff Whittle, MD, MPH – jeffrey.whittle@va.gov – for more information