Staff Assistant - Research

To qualify for the GS-9 level, you must meet one of the following requirements: Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Staff Assistant - Research and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes coordinating and providing administrative support of clinical research projects and programs; interpreting and analyzing data; identifying and analyzing problems; utilizing Microsoft Office and other computer programs to create online meetings, prepare presentation materials, manuals, forms and electronic databases; and communicating and working with individuals with varied backgrounds. Applicants must have strong oral and written communication skills. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Education: Successful completion of a master's degree or two (2) full years of graduate level education leading to such a degree in a related field of study that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. -OR- Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed progressively higher-level graduate education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Administration and Management Financial Management Research IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires alternating periods of walking and sedentary work. Manual dexterity is required for operating office equipment. Typing/computer operation may involve long periods of hand and wrist movement. Occasional light lifting and carrying for delivery of supplies and documents. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
These positions are located within the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System (West Long Angeles and Sepulveda) Medical Research Service in Los Angeles, CA. Research programs are spread over two campuses to support one of the largest and most diverse research enterprises within the VA. The Staff Assistant provides support, public outreach and administrative assistance to ensure the successful management of a research project funded and supervised by the Principal Investigator.