Psychologist - Associate Chief of Staff/Research and Development
Research functions for the WNCVAHCS are unique and extensive. The Research Service assists numerous principal investigators with research projects funded by the VA, National Institutes of Health (NIH), nonprofit organizations, private companies, and organizations. These programs cover a wide range of biomedical disciplines. The ACOS for Research and Development is available to research investigators for mentoring and assisting them with proposal development and budget preparations to meet the Research and Development (R&D) Committee and sub-committee requirements. The ACOS for Research will serve as the point of contact for the local Research community.
The WNCVAHCS maintains its own Research and Development Committee (R&DC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Duties include, but not limited to:
The Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development (ACOS/R&D) is a position established within the Research and Development Service under the Office of the Chief of Staff (COS). In collaboration with, and under the guidance of the COS and Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), the
ACOS/R&D formulates the goals and objectives of the research program for the WNCVAHCS. The incumbent is responsible for initiating policies, procedures and organizational structures necessary to achieve the stipulated goals. The incumbent is responsible for planning, developing
and directing the complex scientific and administrative activities necessary to advance the program. The incumbent has leadership responsibility for all administrative and budgetary operations of the Research Service and for the supervision and evaluation of Service personnel through subordinate supervisors. The incumbent is responsible for compliance with both VISN- and VACO-mandated research policies including those issued by the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Office of Research Oversight (ORO).
The ACOS/R&D should have a history of research funding and have demonstrated the ability to lead research programs.
Functions:
Directs the program of Research & Development, utilizing the members of a well established and qualified administrative team, governing areas that include:
1. Pre- and post-award grant activities.
2. Program review and reporting.
3. Human Research Protection (HRPP).
4. Biosafety and Biosecurity Programs.
5. Resource Management including R&D Finance, Human Resources, Facilities (Space & Equipment), and Logistics.
6. Compliance and Reporting.
7. Intellectual Property (IP) management.
Works with R&D management team and the R&D Committee to develop appropriate local policies and procedures for governance of the program.
Represents and advocates the R&D Program to VA Management at local, VISN and national levels; to affiliate University officials; and other management officials at all levels including State, other federal agency, academic, industry and non-profit entities.
Develops and encourages collaborative scientific efforts within and outside the VA. Provides guidance and mentorship to VA academic faculty.
Is appointed the Research Integrity Officer for the WNCVAHCS by the Executive Director, and as such takes the lead in investigating and resolving allegations of research misconduct (interfaces with local, regional, and national officials, and the affiliate university when joint faculty
appointments are involved).
General Duties:
1. Directs R&D Administration. Leads the administrative team in performance of its varied functions, problem identification and resolution, program improvement and compliance.
2. Provides Guidance and Mentoring to Academic faculty. Meets with faculty on a regular basis and as needed, providing leadership and guidance, particularly to junior faculty.
3. Develops Program Resources including facilities, personnel, and funding.
4. Represents R&D program to senior management at national, regional, (VISN) and local levels, advocating for needed resources and working to ensure a strong, well supported and productive program.
5. Ensures compliance with federal and state requirements.
6. Serves on governance committees as ex-officio board member of the R&D Committee and the VA non-profit governing board, providing strong leadership, expertise, and interaction.
*Performs other tasks, as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Pursuant to VHA Directive 1192.01, Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Qualifications
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
You must have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
OR,
Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully completed a respecialization program meeting both of the following conditions:
a) the respecialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program;
and
b) the specialty in which the you were retrained is consistent with the assignment you are am applying for;
OR,
Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature; OR a past, current, or upcoming graduate of VHA Health Trainee Program.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT:
You must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed;
OR,
New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern;
OR,
VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement;
OR,
Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. (NOTE: Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification).
OR,
Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.
LICENSURE:
Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Grade Determinations:
Minimum Qualifications for GS-15 (Service Chief):
Experience: At least four years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to supervise and manage a large group of professional staff effectively.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution and ability to work collaboratively with supervisors from other units.
- Ability to accurately apply the qualification standards, assesses the potential of current and prospective employees, and promotes their professional development.
- Ability to develop appropriate productivity standards for professional staff, often across multiple program lines.
- Knowledge of the goals and objectives of the medical center and VISN and ability to communicate these to subordinates.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-15. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-15.
Physical Requirements: The position requires occasional, standing, crouching, carrying, stooping, kneeling, pushing and pulling less than 25 pounds. There may be frequent reaching and walking. As this is a sedentary position, it may require sitting for long periods. The incumbent will frequently
communicate with staff and customers online, in person and through emails.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Pursuant to VHA Directive 1192.01, Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Qualifications
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
You must have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
OR,
Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully completed a respecialization program meeting both of the following conditions:
a) the respecialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program;
and
b) the specialty in which the you were retrained is consistent with the assignment you are am applying for;
OR,
Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature; OR a past, current, or upcoming graduate of VHA Health Trainee Program.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT:
You must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed;
OR,
New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern;
OR,
VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement;
OR,
Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. (NOTE: Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification).
OR,
Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.
LICENSURE:
Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Grade Determinations:
Minimum Qualifications for GS-15 (Service Chief):
Experience: At least four years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to supervise and manage a large group of professional staff effectively.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution and ability to work collaboratively with supervisors from other units.
- Ability to accurately apply the qualification standards, assesses the potential of current and prospective employees, and promotes their professional development.
- Ability to develop appropriate productivity standards for professional staff, often across multiple program lines.
- Knowledge of the goals and objectives of the medical center and VISN and ability to communicate these to subordinates.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-15. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-15.
Physical Requirements: The position requires occasional, standing, crouching, carrying, stooping, kneeling, pushing and pulling less than 25 pounds. There may be frequent reaching and walking. As this is a sedentary position, it may require sitting for long periods. The incumbent will frequently
communicate with staff and customers online, in person and through emails.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .