Program Support Assistant

The Program Support Assistant provides administrative and programmatic support in the Research Service of the White River Junction VA Medical Center (WRJVAMC). Serves as the principal provider of support to the Research and Development Committee (R&DC), Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Research Safety Subcommittee (SRS), the Associate Chief of Staff for Research, and the Director of Research Operations, and will be the initial contact person for principal investigators.

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Major duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: Provides administrative and program support to the Research Service, ensuring activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, ethical standards, and accreditation requirements. Reviews research protocol submissions for completeness and accuracy, verifies required documentation, and facilitates timely processing and committee review.

Coordinates administrative activities for the Research and Development Committee (R&DC), Institutional Review Board (IRB), Research Safety Subcommittee (SRS), and other applicable research committees. Serves as a primary point of contact for principal investigators and research personnel, providing guidance on research applications, submission requirements, administrative procedures, and regulatory processes. Assists investigators with mandatory research forms, supporting documentation, electronic submission systems, and compliance requirements.

Serves as the Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC), coordinating computer access, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) sponsorship, software support, troubleshooting, and annual access certifications. Provides administrative support to Research Service leadership, including timekeeping, Government Purchase Card procurement, scheduling, logistical coordination, and office operations. Coordinates research personnel credentialing, maintenance of required education, training, and competency records.

Serves as Records Liaison, implementing and maintaining research records management systems in accordance with applicable records retention policies and procedures. Coordinates communication and information exchange among research leadership, investigators, regulatory committees, administrative staff, and external stakeholders. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-06: One year of specialized experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in Federal Service, GS-05. Specialized experience includes providing administrative support to research programs; coordinating meetings and timekeeping; reviewing, processing, and tracking research proposals and regulatory documents for completeness and accuracy; maintaining electronic records, databases, and tracking systems; utilizing Microsoft Office applications and automated systems to support research activities in accordance with established policies and procedures.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-07: One year of specialized experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in Federal Service, GS-06. Specialized experience includes independently providing administrative and program support for research activities; coordinating meetings and timekeeping; reviewing and coordinating research proposals and regulatory submissions to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations; coordinating committee activities and required submissions; managing research records, databases, and tracking systems; interpreting policies and regulations to resolve complex administrative and regulatory issues; preparing correspondence and reports; and recommending improvements to administrative processes and program operations.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.