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The Researcher's Guide to VA Data

VA Information Resource Center

 

Come Work with VIReC!

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What We Do

At VIReC, we are passionate about creating engaging experiences for United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data users. We produce resources that help scientists and analysts effectively use VA’s rich data stores to answer research and quality improvement questions. Visit our About Us page for more information on who we are and what we do.

Current Positions

VIReC is currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic people to join our team in improving Veteran healthcare and well-being through research. We’re recruiting multiple positions as described below. VIReC is based at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in the Chicagoland area and all positions are authorized for remote work (100% telework with <5% travel required for meetings/events). Candidates must be U.S. Citizens. All positions are VA term appointments, renewable based on funding and performance. The targeted General Schedule (GS) pay range is GS-9 through GS-13. Starting pay is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Data Knowledge & Data Documentation Specialists (Social Science Analysts, GS-12 or GS-13)

Data Knowledge and Data Documentation Specialists support the use of VA electronic health record (EHR) data and other national VA databases. This position requires advanced SQL skills, familiarity with the use of data in health services research and experience working with large databases. Incumbents will be responsible for a range of activities related to providing high-quality documentation, education, and consultative resources for VA data users in the following areas:

Data Documentation

  • Documents large VA databases, their contents, and structure.

  • Produces technical reports on topics related to data utilization, reliability, validity, and availability.

  • Collaborates with operations and field research partners to develop data methods resources.

  • Develops ideas for new products and topics for the VIReC portfolio.

Data Investigation and Analysis

  • Uses advanced data management and statistical methods to extract generalized insights for a broad analytical audience.

  • Develops data management and analysis methods to be made available to a wide variety of data users across the VA.

Education, Communication, and Training

  • Serves as an expert on VA data content and methods for data management and use.

  • Shares knowledge and expertise with VA data users who have a diverse range of experience and skills.

  • Develops training materials and national webinars to educate data users about VA data and its effective use.

  • Delivers high-quality presentations and consultations tailored to a range of audiences.

  • Leads junior analysts throughout all phases of data knowledge production.

Necessary skills and experience:

  • Degree and/or direct experience in health services research, epidemiology, health economics, or related social sciences.

  • 5+ years of experience managing and analyzing VA data sources such as the CDW, Vital Status File, and/or other commonly used VA databases.

  • Demonstrable expertise in data management and/or data analysis using SQL.

  • Experience examining the quality and utility of large databases.


Interested in Joining the VIReC Team?

E-mail Melissa Joyce, VIReC's Administrative Officer, at Melissa.Joyce@va.gov. Be sure to indicate which position you are interested in applying to and include your resume and a cover letter summarizing your work experience.

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