Become a Grants Management Specialist with the VA in Columbia

Are you looking to advance your career while supporting those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is hiring a Grants Management Specialist at the Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. This position is a critical component of the Research Service, where you will manage the lifecycle of extramural grants that power clinical and health services research.

Job Responsibilities

As a Grants Management Specialist, you are the backbone of the research department's funding and compliance efforts. Your primary duties include:

Grant Lifecycle Management: Reviewing, preparing, and submitting federal and VA research grant applications.
Advisory Roles: Training investigators and research staff on complex funding requirements and administrative procedures.
Regulatory Compliance: Interpreting federal policies to ensure all research adheres to strict regulatory and ethical standards.
Operational Support: Overseeing budget revisions, post-award documentation, and clinical trial operations.
Reporting: Tracking study expenditures and ensuring timely submission of progress and final reports.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. Citizens and possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level. Key requirements include:

Proven ability to manage research compliance and documentation.
Successful completion of an online assessment.
Submission of a professional resume (maximum two pages).
Commitment to the annual influenza vaccination program.

Feature	Details
Salary	$74,678 - $97,087
Location	Columbia, Missouri
Job Grade	GS-11
Schedule	Full-Time (Mon-Fri)

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $97,087 per year. Beyond the pay, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and generous paid time off. Your non-federal experience or military service may also be used to calculate annual leave accrual rates.

How to Apply

Prepare: Build a concise, two-page resume that highlights your results.
Apply Online: Visit the official USAJOBS application portal.
Assess: Be ready to complete the USA Hire assessment as part of the screening process.
Verify: Attach all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, before the November 4th, 2026, deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the most common reason for rejection? A: Submitting a resume longer than two pages or failing to document exact hours worked per week.

Q: Is a degree required? A: You may qualify via specialized experience, a Ph.D., or a combination of graduate education and professional experience.

This role offers a unique opportunity to blend administrative expertise with the rewarding nature of veteran-centric healthcare research. If you are detail-oriented and passionate about supporting scientific progress, apply today to start your career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Grants Management Specialist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on veteran healthcare research by managing the lifecycle of vital federal grants at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Grants Management Specialist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Grants Management Specialist for the Research Service at the Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. In this role, you will be the bridge between scientific innovation and administrative excellence, overseeing the full lifecycle of extramural grant activities. You will support VA-affiliated investigators by ensuring compliance, facilitating research submissions, and managing clinical trial operations, all while directly contributing to the VA’s mission of providing top-tier care to those who have served our nation.

Requirements for Grants Management Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must complete a mandatory online assessment.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must provide a resume not exceeding two pages in length.

Preferred Qualifications for Grants Management Specialist

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree.
Proven experience reviewing and preparing federal or VA research grant applications.
Strong understanding of federal research regulations, compliance, and budget management.
Experience with clinical trial documentation and data handling.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual leave accrual.
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefit packages available to federal employees.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the VA mission.
✓Professional development and training in research administration.
✓Opportunities to make a tangible difference in Veterans' health and welfare.

💡 How to Apply Grants Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Grants Management Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer.
Gather required documents, including your most recent SF-50.
Click 'Apply Online' to complete the questionnaire.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of 11/04/2026.
Complete the required online USA Hire assessment upon receiving the notification link.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to specifically reflect the duties listed in the announcement; VA recruiters will not make assumptions about your experience.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with the two-page limit.
Document your experience with specific job titles, start/end dates, and average hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count accuracy.
Review your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard periodically for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position based at the Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?

Effective September 27, 2025, resumes must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this length will result in ineligibility.

Do I need to submit an SF-50?

Yes, if you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit an SF-50 to demonstrate your time-in-grade eligibility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the VHA, you become part of a large, mission-driven organization focused on providing world-class, compassionate healthcare and advancing scientific breakthroughs.