Biomedical Engineer

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: 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: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education and/or Experience. [The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: (1) Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR, (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor’s degree not listed above May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Experience: Completion of at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. GS-12 Full Performance Level: Candidates qualifying at the GS-11 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): i. Ability to conduct a medical equipment management or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies. ii. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices. iii. Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and TJC requirements. iv. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment. v. Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management. vi. Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety. vii. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA. viii. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization. ix. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/, VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G38 “Biomedical Engineer Qualification Standard GS-858” Veterans Health Administration. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work may require light lifting (under 15lbs) and working closely with others. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
This position is located in the Healthcare Technology Management Service of the Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC. Serves as a staff advisor to the Chief of Healthcare Technology Management Service in the area of Healthcare Technology Management (i.e., Biomedical Engineering) as well as engineering principles and practices, which relate to the area of specialization and scientific discipline, drawing from professional educational background, as well as practical experience.