Policy Analyst, Sr — FCOI & Research Affiliation Agreements

Aptive Resources is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) Field Operations team under the Field Enterprise Research Support Services (FERSS) contract. This role provides regulatory and policy expertise related to Research Affiliation Agreements for research trainees, Research Collaboration Agreements with universities, and Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) management for VA employees holding dual university or non-profit corporation (NPC) appointments.

This position requires strong knowledge of VA regulatory requirements governing affiliation agreements, dual appointments, outside compensation, and financial conflicts of interest, including waivers under 18 U.S. Code § 208, as well as a strong understanding of VA, VA Non-Profit Corporations, and affiliate university relationships.

This is a part-time (10-20 hours/week), 100% remote position. There is an immediate, time-sensitive need for this expertise.

• Provide expert guidance on Research Affiliation Agreements for research trainees, including agreement development, review, and renewal processes.
• Support negotiation, drafting, and administration of Research Collaboration Agreements between VA and university partners.
• Provide subject matter input into the development of software/system solutions supporting Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) management for VA employees with dual university or NPC appointments.
• Analyze and interpret VA policy and federal regulations related to affiliation agreements, dual appointments, outside compensation, and financial conflicts of interest, including waivers to 18 U.S. Code § 208.
• Advise VA program leadership and research staff on regulatory requirements and compliance considerations related to affiliation agreements and FCOI matters.
• Research and assess relevant VA, VA Non-Profit Corporation, and affiliate university policies to inform recommendations and identify gaps or risks.
• Support development and/or review of policy directives, handbooks, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures related to affiliation agreements and conflict of interest management.
• Prepare briefing materials, white papers, and issue-specific analyses related to affiliation agreements and FCOI for VA leadership.
• Coordinate with VA program offices, university partners, and NPC representatives to support timely resolution of affiliation agreement and FCOI matters.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders to support program compliance objectives.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, biomedical, public health, or related field (e.g., life sciences, health administration, research administration).8+ years of experience in policy analysis, regulatory compliance, or related work within a complex organization including experience within a scientific or biomedical research environment (e.g., clinical research operations, academic research administration, or sponsored programs/grants management) sufficient to understand the research process this role supports.
• Demonstrated knowledge of VA regulatory requirements related to affiliation agreements, dual appointments, outside compensation, and financial conflict of interest, to include waivers to 18 U.S. Code § 208.
• Strong understanding of VA, VA Non-Profit Corporations, and affiliate university relationships and structures.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage tasks and provide policy/regulatory guidance with minimal oversight.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing policy analyses, briefing materials, and guidance documents.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

• Advanced degree (Master's or above) in a scientific, public health, or research administration field
• Direct experience with VA Research Affiliation Agreements or Research Collaboration Agreements.
• Experience with VA Non-Profit Corporation operations and governance.
• Experience with financial conflict of interest management processes, including waiver requests and reviews.
• Experience supporting or informing the development of software/system solutions for compliance or conflict-of-interest management.
• Experience working in a federal or VA research environment.
• Familiarity with VA policy directive, handbook, and SOP development processes.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.