Program Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Executive Director for Greater Los Angeles Department of Veterans' Affairs. The incumbent assists the Research Compliance Officer in developing and implementing the Research Compliance program at GLA, including special projects such as interpreting, reporting audit results, and assessing risks of non‑compliance for the institution and its research component. Qualifications Applicants must meet federal time‑in‑grade requirements (e.g., 52 weeks at the previous grade). For a GS‑11 position, candidates must have 52 weeks at GS‑09 regardless of occupation, and an SF‑50 (or additional SF‑50 if required) must be submitted. One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑09 is required. Examples include: Research‑related expert knowledge Coordinating/scheduling audits Preparing audit reports and compliance analysis Providing accurate information to Principal Investigators and study team members Advanced computer skills Education may substitute for experience: a Ph.D., LL.M., or three years of graduate education leading to such a degree. Candidates may also combine education and experience. All required SF‑50 documentation must be provided. Duties Coordinate with the Research Service, Research Pharmacy, Radiation Safety, and R&D committees to ensure ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. Work with the HRPP Administrator and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to maintain accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). Develop audit tools and conduct routine and special audits of the HRPP program, including informed consent monitoring, protocol audits, device and drug audits, and verification of research approvals by the VA Research and Development Committee. Prepare audit reports and compliance analysis with recommendations for quality improvement. Coordinate with the Veterinary Medical Officer and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to maintain accreditation by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). Work with the Biosafety Subcommittee and Radiation Safety to ensure laboratory self‑inspections are completed, deficiencies corrected, and biosafety issues identified on proposals. Identify, report, and correct problems related to ethical conduct, conflict of interest, and intellectual property rights. Provide training to investigators, research staff, committee members, and administrative staff. Facilitate and participate in compliance education opportunities, including presentations at local and national meetings. Exercise judgment to address patient safety issues revealed during audits and communicate findings promptly to investigators. Assist in developing new research compliance assurance technologies and evaluating computer‑based compliance software. Attend relevant meetings and participate in VISN Research meetings, ORD‑directed site visits, training, and travel. Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm (on‑site; not virtual). Position description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD078770. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs