Human Subjects Research Project Manager, Digital Team - Veteran Affairs Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center

LOCATION: Seattle, WA

CLOSING DATE: unknown

OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Job

JOB #: 16821

POSTED: January 15, 2021

Description:

Human Subjects Research Project Manager, Digital Team

The Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC) Digital Team within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is accepting applications for a full-time Project Manager.  

The Seattle ERIC Digital Team is focused on two goals:

  1. Reducing the complexity of research by consolidating and clearly presenting information about human subjects protections and VA research operations
  2. Telling the story of Seattle ERIC research and Seattle ERIC-led VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) initiatives in a clear and compelling way on public facing VA websites

This position reports to the Digital Team Program Manager.

Key duties for this position include:

 

  • Implementing and managing content strategy for multiple VA research sites including internal SharePoint sites and public facing websites, such as  
    • Documenting operations processes to clarify the structure, purpose, boundaries, accountability, and workflows for each site
    • Reviewing for quality control through page audits and recommending changes based on results
    • Thinking strategically about how content is produced and managed to promote efficiency
       
  • Designing content that makes complex research language and research-related processes easier to understand, such as
    • Synthesizing human subjects research policies and research guidance information from multiple sources or breaking down that information into more manageable pieces
    • Partnering with subject matter experts in IRB, R&D, Privacy, Information Security, IT, and Data Management to create clear and accurate information
    • Implementing internal style guides and following VA content principles
    • Researching, confirming, and sourcing content ideas (often drawing on professional relationships with subject matter experts)
    • Participating in team content reviews and providing critique based on plain language
    • Writing using plain language concepts

 

  • Creating materials about research or operations activities for non-VA, non-research audiences, such as  
    • Doing independent background research including informal interviews and reviewing and interpreting other source materials
    • Writing using storytelling skills to promote a concept, set a vision, or educate readers about research
       
  • Maintaining multiple VA websites and publishing all content within those sites (currently SharePoint Online and TeamSite), such as
    • Creating, modifying, and customizing SharePoint pages, libraries, lists, or views
    • Confidently problem solving in a web space bound by regulatory restrictions
    • Documenting maintenance and publishing processes
  • Approaching and understanding problems through human centered design principles and methods, such as
    • Understanding basic human centered design or UX research methods and when to use them 
    • Carrying out, analyzing, and following through on user research

 

  • Understanding the needs of and building ongoing relationships with site stakeholders, such as  
    • Understanding how to work with different stakeholder groups
    • Communicating strategies, user research evidence, and suggestions effectively
    • Maintaining awareness of stakeholder needs

 

  • Ongoing relationship building across CSP, facility, and other research groups, such as
    • Participating in calls or workgroups to learn about user needs and identify content opportunities
    • Maintaining existing and establishing new connections with a variety of subject matter experts for collaboration and consultation
    • Contributing to cross functional group efforts to improve research processes and efficiency
       

Qualities and skills of an ideal candidate

  • BA/BS or higher degree in a scientific- or health-related field such as epidemiology required; Master’s level degree preferred
    • 4-6 years of experience with federally funded human subjects research (such as health services, epidemiological, clinical, or rehab research) and ability to show an understanding of its complexity required
      • If BA/BS, 5-6 years of research-related experience required
      • If higher degree, 4-5 years of research-related experience preferred
  • Demonstrated empathetic, clear, and thoughtful communicator
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage projects
  • Experience building internal systems that support attention to detail and quality control
  • Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, especially SharePoint Online, Office365, and OneNote
  • Confidence with web technology
  • Knowledge of web standards, accessibility, and usability
  • Understands the challenges of and skilled in problem solving technology issues within an environment that’s bound by regulatory restrictions
  • Experience publishing material through a web platform or content management system
  • Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn
How to Apply:

About Seattle ERIC and VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP)
The Seattle ERIC is a research center within the VA Puget Sound Health Care System that works to improve the health and health care of Veterans through epidemiologic research. We are part of the VA Cooperative Studies Program, a national VA research group of 12 epidemiology and clinical trial research centers.

 

For more about the Seattle ERIC: https://www.seattle.eric.research.va.gov/

For more about the VA Cooperative Studies Program: https://www.vacsp.research.va.gov/

Application information

Candidates must be U.S. citizens. Education and experience will be evaluated by Human Resources to determine if the top candidate meets the criteria for GS-11, per the Office of Personnel Management General Schedule table at opm.gov

Please send a cover letter and resume to SeattleCSPEC@va.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This position is based in Seattle, WA. The possibility of telework may be considered.