Advance Your Research Career with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking to make a meaningful contribution to clinical research while building your professional credentials? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an opportunity for a Without Compensation (WOC) Research Health Systems Specialist in Kansas City, Missouri. This position is perfect for dedicated individuals eager to work within the Office of Research and Development (ORD) to help improve Veteran-centered healthcare.

Job Responsibilities

As a Research Health Systems Specialist, you will support the backbone of our clinical trials and health research programs. Your key duties will include:

Study Coordination: Managing the lifecycle of clinical research projects from inception to completion.
Regulatory Oversight: Preparing and submitting essential documentation to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).
Data Management: Collecting and organizing complex data sets while maintaining strict integrity.
Regulatory Compliance: Reporting adverse events and protocol deviations to the Principal Investigator and the Research Compliance Officer.
Collaboration: Acting as the central point of communication between clinical staff, research nurses, investigators, and external sponsors.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Security: Successful completion of a background and suitability investigation.
Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Documentation: Adherence to the two-page resume limit is strictly enforced.

Salary Overview & Comparison

As a Without Compensation (WOC) appointment, this role does not offer a salary. However, the professional value of the experience gained is significant.

Feature	Details
Compensation	None (WOC)
Appointment Term	Up to 3 years
Location	Kansas City, MO
Schedule	Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Benefits

While this role is unpaid, participants receive unparalleled benefits in terms of professional growth:

Hands-on experience within a federal research facility.
Direct mentorship and networking opportunities with senior investigators.
Exposure to large-scale regulatory compliance and data management processes.
A significant addition to your CV for future federal or private sector research roles.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Since you only have two pages for your resume, prioritize recent and relevant experience.
PDF Preferred: Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting stays intact.
Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all technical requirements.
Detail Counts: Ensure your volunteer work is included if it relates to research or administrative support.

Serving as a Research Health Systems Specialist with the VA is a rewarding way to contribute to national research efforts. If you are ready to expand your research horizons in a collaborative and mission-driven environment, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application before the closing date.

Why This Without Compensation - Research Health Systems Specialist Job Matters

Advance your research career while supporting the mission to serve those who served. Gain invaluable professional experience as a Without Compensation (WOC) Research Health Systems Specialist within the Veterans Health Administration.

Without Compensation - Research Health Systems Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Without Compensation (WOC) Research Health Systems Specialist within the Office of Research and Development (ORD). This unique, non-compensated appointment allows individuals to contribute to vital clinical research that enhances Veteran-centered care and improves healthcare outcomes. You will play a key role in study coordination, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, gaining significant experience in the inner workings of a major federal research system.

Requirements for Without Compensation - Research Health Systems Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be registered with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Compliance with REAL ID standards for identification.
Adherence to a strict two-page resume limit.

Preferred Qualifications for Without Compensation - Research Health Systems Specialist

Undergraduate or graduate degree in hospital administration, public health administration, business, or public administration.
Professional experience in healthcare management, clinical program supervision, or administrative analysis.
Demonstrated experience in clinical study coordination, data management, and regulatory document preparation.
Strong communication skills for coordinating between investigators, medical staff, and sponsors.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Professional development through hands-on clinical research experience.
✓Opportunity to contribute to federal-level health system research.
✓Networking within the Department of Veterans Affairs and research community.
✓Exposure to advanced clinical research workflows and regulatory standards.

💡 How to Apply Without Compensation - Research Health Systems Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Without Compensation - Research Health Systems Specialist Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather necessary documentation (transcripts, SF-50s, or DD-214 if applicable).
Preview the occupational questionnaire to prepare your answers.
Submit your complete application package, including the questionnaire, through the official online portal.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to remain eligible.
Use concise, results-oriented language that mirrors the job announcement.
Convert your resume to PDF format to ensure optimal formatting preservation.
Clearly outline your volunteer or unpaid experience, as this counts toward your qualifications.
Verify that your SF-50 clearly shows one-year time-in-grade if you are a current federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a paid position?

No, this is a Without Compensation (WOC) appointment. There is no salary associated with this role.

Are there strict formatting requirements for my resume?

Yes. Federal agencies currently require resumes to be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this length will cause you to be ineligible for consideration.

What kind of experience counts toward the 'General Experience' requirement?

Experience as an administrative officer, management analyst, or clinical program manager in a healthcare system, as well as volunteer work in relevant fields, is considered.

Is this a remote role?

No, this is not a virtual position. The work is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

What is a WOC appointment?

*A: A WOC (Without Compensation) appointment allows an individual to work within a federal agency to gain experience or provide specialized service without drawing a federal salary.*

Are there physical requirements?

*A: The work is primarily sedentary, but it may involve walking or bending in office and laboratory environments.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for our nation's Veterans, their families, and caregivers. The Office of Research and Development serves as a leader in medical research, aiming to provide high-quality care that improves patient outcomes and reduces financial burdens for those who have served.