Careers

Description:

Are you passionate about improving Veterans’ health and health care through impactful work in a collaborative setting? Join the Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC), a research center within the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (HCS), dedicated to enhancing Veteran health outcomes through high-quality epidemiologic research. The Seattle ERIC is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) Cooperative Studies Program (CSP), an award-winning and internationally recognized program with a national research network.

The Seattle ERIC is hiring a full-time Research Assistant/Specialist (GS-05 to GS-07 range) to support the Integrated Veteran Epidemiologic Study Data Resource (INVESTD-R). INVESTD-R is a VA-wide initiative that promotes open science by sharing research resources including data, biospecimens, and participant contact information, generated by epidemiologic research on Veteran data. 

Under the direction of the INVESTD-R Program Manager, the Research Assistant/Specialist will assist with multiple INVESTD-R projects including the ORD Research Data and Biospecimen Repository (SHARE), a public-facing information clearinghouse, and other tools and resources for data sharing. This position is based at the VA Puget Sound HCS in Seattle, WA and is not eligible for remote work.

Key Duties:

• Support the development and execution of INVESTD-R activities, including but not limited to ORD SHARE 
• Assist with day-to-day operations and regulatory documentation, including preparation and tracking of IRB submissions, organizing, and filing records
• Conduct initial recruitment and other outreach activities with Veteran participants, including assembling mailing packets and conducting phone calls 
• Assist with development and implementation of data collection instruments and subject-facing materials; perform data collection and entry 
• Assist with maintenance of study databases
• Track progress of studies and projects; prepare reports and presentations 
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control procedures, including consent form audits and data reconciliation
• Assist with development and maintenance of operations manuals, standard operating procedures, and best practices for data sharing 
• Maintain accurate inventory of research supplies and equipment
• Serve as a liaison between the INVESTD-R team and VA and non-VA researchers
• Assist with scheduling and preparing for local and national meetings and trainings
• Assist with related activities as needed at the Center and Program levels

Qualifications:

Required: 

• To meet criteria for GS-05, BA/BS in a scientific- or health-related field required 
• To meet criteria for GS-06 to GS-07 range, BA/BS in a scientific- or health-related field, and 1-2 years or more of related work experience in clinical, epidemiological, or health services research required 
• Ability to communicate effectively, maintain a high level of attention to detail, and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities through strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Note: Any education outside the United States needs to be evaluated through a foreign education evaluation agency service.

Preferred:

• Experience with Microsoft Access, REDCap, SharePoint, and Power BI
• Experience providing customer service, particularly through telephone and email communication and virtual meetings
• Previous Research Assistant role in an academic or government setting

Application Information:

Candidates must be U.S. citizens. Education and experience will be evaluated by Human Resources to determine if the selected candidate meets the criteria for the targeted GS-05 to GS-07 range. The General Schedule (GS) salary table for the Seattle area can be found on the Office of Personnel Management website at opm.gov.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to SeattleCSPEC@va.gov. Cover letters should address how your unique skills and experience align with the position qualifications. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.  Positions are open until filled and applications will be reviewed starting May 22, 2026. It is understood that your circumstances may change during the interview process. Please share any information or updates relevant to your situation such as your employment status and current location throughout the application process. 

We recognize that varied perspectives strengthen scientific discovery, contribute to innovative research, and improve healthcare outcomes. Our Center is committed to fostering a professional and collaborative environment that supports scientific excellence. We encourage all qualified individuals with an interest in our mission to apply.