Qualifications

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: Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with [VA Handbook 5005, Part II,] chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g.) Education and/or Experience: 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
• OR, Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a Bachelor's Degree not listed above
• Certification means having successfully passed a CCE written and oral examination administered by the American College of Clinical Engineering
• If appointed with a CCE requirement, the employee must maintain certification throughout employment
• The American College of Clinical Engineering determines acceptable educational preparation and degree requirements for CCE eligibility
• English Language Proficiency
• Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English.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)
• Grade Determinations: GS-12 (Full Performance Level)
• Experience: Completion of at least one year of creditable specialized equivalent to the next lower level (GS-11) such as experience functioning on a semi-independent basis with limited oversight by senior biomedical engineers
• They participate in medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) and TJC requirement and assist in the development of an equipment management program at the medical center
• Employees may lead medical technology deployments, directly support medical equipment, or participate in research projects
• OR Completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to conduct a medical equipment management or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies
• Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices
• Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Devices Act, and The Joint Commission requirements
• Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment
• 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
• 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
• Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization
• Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies
• Preferred Experience: None 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)
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Able to independently operate a motor vehicle
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated
• However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations
• For positions requiring examinations, information is gleaned from the OF 178, as submitted with the recruitment packet.