Become a Research Committee Manager at the Tucson VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have served our country. To support this mission, the Tucson VA Medical Center is looking for a skilled Health System Specialist to join the Research Services team. This position is ideal for professionals with a background in research administration who want to make a tangible impact on the future of Veteran-centered care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Research Committee Manager, you will be the backbone of the research administration process. Your primary duties include:

Administrative Oversight: Managing the administrative workflow for R&D, IRB, IACUC, and biosafety committees.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all research projects meet strict Federal and State regulations, including VA, FDA, and OHRP requirements.
Program Accreditation: Maintaining certifications for animal care (AAALAC) and human protection programs.
Advisory Role: Providing guidance to research investigators and leadership on ethical research practices.
Data Management: Utilizing networked databases to track project progress and identify process weaknesses.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level.
Appropriate education or a combination of education and experience.
Ability to pass a background security investigation.
Participation in the mandatory influenza vaccination program.

Qualification Comparison Table

Qualification Type	Requirement	Evaluation Focus
Experience	1 Year at GS-09 equivalent	Technical knowledge of R&D compliance
Education	PhD or 3 Years Graduate Study	Research administration knowledge
Certification	Not mandatory	Preferred experience with IRB/IACUC

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-11 level. The annual salary range for this role in Tucson, Arizona, is currently $76,095 to $98,928, depending on experience and qualification verification.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust compensation package, including:

Federal health insurance options.
Generous retirement benefits (FERS/TSP).
Ample annual and sick leave accrual.
Career advancement opportunities across the national VA system.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The VA now limits resumes to two pages. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Be Specific: Quantify your achievements. If you managed an IRB committee, mention the number of protocols processed.
Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you meet the formatting requirements automatically.
Proofread: Errors in documentation can lead to disqualification.

This role is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between complex research requirements and life-saving health outcomes. If you are detail-oriented, compliant, and passionate about the Veteran mission, we invite you to apply and help us continue our tradition of excellence in research and care.

Why This Health System Specialist Job Matters

Join a mission-driven team at the Tucson VA and play a pivotal role in advancing life-changing research that directly impacts Veteran healthcare outcomes.

Health System Specialist Job Overview

The Tucson VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Health System Specialist to serve as a Research Committee Manager. In this role, you will act as a vital link between innovative scientific research and the Veterans who benefit from these medical advancements. You will manage complex administrative processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide guidance to research committees, investigators, and leadership to support a world-class research environment.

Requirements for Health System Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date.
Current Federal employees must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-09 level).
Completion of a background security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must undergo a pre-employment urinalysis if in a testing-designated position.

Preferred Qualifications for Health System Specialist

Degree in hospital administration, public health administration, business, or public administration.
Direct experience in managing programs related to human subject protection (IRB), animal research (IACUC), biosafety, or R&D committees.
Knowledge of VA, FDA, and OHRP regulatory standards.
Experience managing electronic databases for research tracking and compliance.
A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Opportunities for professional growth and development

💡 How to Apply Health System Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health System Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and specifically highlights relevant research experience.
Submit your complete application, including the online questionnaire and supporting documents, via USAJOBS by the closing date.
Monitor your email for a notification regarding required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete the required assessments within the provided deadline.
Track your application status through your USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month and year start/end dates and hours worked per week for every position.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page limits.
Clearly align your experience with the specific duties listed in the job announcement.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be explicit and specific about your technical skills.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you remain within the two-page limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this position?

This role acts as a Research Committee Manager, overseeing administrative functions for IRB, IACUC, and other R&D committees to ensure research is conducted safely, ethically, and in compliance with federal regulations.

Is telework available for this role?

No, this position is not authorized for telework and requires an on-site presence at the Tucson VA Medical Center.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, applicants may qualify based on a combination of graduate-level education (such as a PhD) and specialized experience, or through meeting specific Individual Occupational Requirements.

Can I work from home?

*A: No, this is an on-site position.*

What is the deadline to apply?

*A: The closing date is August 21, 2026.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our research program is critical to advancing medical knowledge, fostering innovation, and delivering high-quality, cost-effective services. By working here, you become part of a collaborative network dedicated to empowering Veterans to live their lives to the fullest through evidence-based practices.