BREF engages in biomedical research and education in the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System and VA Medical Centers in Virginia and West Virginia by managing research and education projects funded by non-VA sponsors with the goal of find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help Veterans with disabilities. In this capacity, BREF employs research staff to work with investigators doing clinical research in the VA facilities that we serve.

As an equal opportunity employer, BREF endeavors to select the best qualified individuals based on job-related qualifications, irrespective of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or status as a covered Veteran or on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

We attract and retain talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through biomedical research. In addition to a competitive salary, BREF offers a benefits package that includes a choice of medical, dental and vision plans, life and AD&D insurance, and a generous 403(b) retirement plan as well as various leave and holiday benefits. (If the position is less than full-time, certain benefits may not apply to the employee; this will be verified at time of employment.)

benefits summary

The following information is a summary of benefits offered to eligible employees. For detailed information on benefits coverage and eligibility, contact the BREF Personnel Specialist.

HEALTH

We offer medical, dental, and vision plans.  Benefits coverage begins on the first of the month coinciding / following date of hire.  BREF covers 75% of health plan costs for those who work 35 hours per week or more. For those who work less than 35 hours/week, but more than 20, the percentage that BREF covers varies. The remaining percentage is then deducted from paychecks biweekly on a pretax basis.

Life & long term disability Insurance

Employees may opt for Term Life insurance for themselves and immediate family members. Employees may also choose Long Term Disability insurance for themselves with an elimination period of 90 days.  The employee pays the cost of these insurance policies, deducted from paychecks biweekly on a pretax basis. Those who do not chose coverage within 31 days of their start day will be required to show evidence of insurability should they later choose to be covered.

403(b) retirement plan

Employees who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to participate in BREF’s 403(b) Retirement Plan with Lincoln Financial Group. Lincoln Financial Group offers various investment options and payouts upon retirement.

BREF contributes 1% of participating employee’s gross compensation and matches employee’s contribution dollar for dollar up to a maximum of 5% of gross compensation.  Participating employees are fully vested in the Plan when they begin contributions.  Employees eligible to participate may do so as of their first day of work or any time thereafter.

Holidays

BREF observes the following 11 federal holidays:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

  • Presidents’ Day

  • Memorial Day

  • Juneteenth

  • Independence Day

  • Labor Day

  • Columbus Day

  • Veterans Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

Vacation

Full-time employees accrue vacation hours based on hours paid each pay period with a maximum carry over of 240 hours to the next calendar year. Accrual rates are based on length of BREF employment.

0 – 3 years of BREF employment
5% accrual rate

3 – 15 years of BREF employment
7.5% accrual rate

15+ years of BREF employment
10% accrual rate

Sick Leave

BREF provides paid sick leave to its employees for use when the employee needs to be absent from work due to illness or a scheduled doctor visit for self or a dependent family member.  A dependent family member includes spouse, child or parent.

Full-time regular employees accrue 4 sick hours each pay period. 

Part-time employees accrue sick leave hours based on the number of hours worked per pay period. 56-69 hours worked per pay period accrues 3 hours of sick leave, 40-55 hours worked per pay period accrues 2 hours of sick leave, and less than 40 hours worked per pay period is not eligible to accrue sick leave.

PARKING

Monthly parking is available in nearby public parking garages. BREF employees should obtain their own monthly parking.  BREF will reimburse one-half of the cost of parking expense with submission of a written request and original receipt.

EMPLOYMENT Opportunities

OPEN POSITIONS

Clinical Research Coordinator - Oncology

Clinical Research Coordinator

Regulatory Specialist - Human Research

Additional important information for current BREF employees can be found in the employee portal. Information includes documents such as forms, policies, procedures, etc. Please contact BREF administration for access.

EMPLOYEE PORTAL

For Current Employees Only (RESTRICTED ACCESS)