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Summary The incumbent supports the medical center mission and the Biomedical Engineering Service goals while operating in accordance with medical center policies, Biomedical Engineering policies, and standards of professional service and is a professional consultant and advisor on healthcare technology matters to VAMC unit managers and front line staff. He/she consults and provides guidance to technical staff. Responsibilities As a Biomedical Engineer for the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, the incumbent provides professional engineering support to a complex, highly technical, and service oriented Biomedical Engineering Department. Duties may include but are not limited to: Participates in technology assessment of medical equipment systems by working collaboratively with medical staff to evaluate market offerings, determine medical center requirements, design system configurations, and develop specifications. Works collaboratively with the Contracting staff to procure medical equipment that best meets clinical needs while containing resources. Coordinates implementation of medical technology including assessing installation and site preparation requirements, managing project timelines, monitoring installation, and facilitating training of equipment operators and maintainers. Contributes to VHA, VISN, and VAMC patient safety goals. Assists with medical device recalls and hazard alerts are managed and acted upon as appropriate and that equipment related safety enhancements are implemented in the VAMC. Consults on medical center construction projects, space functional changes, and associated planning with respect to medical technologies and medical-related technologies. This includes site preparation for medical equipment, station level projects, non-recurring maintenance projects, and minor construction project designs. Infrastructure planning support often involves very detailed planning activities. Supports an equipment management program that allows the VAMC to meet the requirements set by accrediting organizations such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Remains current with standards interpretation and implementation objectives. Participates in medical technology management and equipment procurement processes include "right sizing" equipment functionality, actively participating in the development of technical specifications, evaluating technical proposals, and contributing to price negotiations. Analyzes maintenance strategies including review of out-sourcing versus in-house support. He/She analyzes and recommends optimal maintenance strategies for medical instrumentation systems. Work Schedule: Full time. Monday - Friday 07:30am - 04:00pm. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:24078-F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 in item 1. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation, on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education, and/or certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above the following education and experience criteria must be met. Biomedical Engineer, GS-07 (Entry Level): Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Education: Bachelor's degree as outlined in section1 of the basic requirements, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in section 1 of the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: None beyond the basic requirements. Biomedical Engineer, GS-09 (Developmental Level 1): Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. OR, Education: Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study. OR, Bachelor's degree, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1. Plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology. Biomedical Engineer, GS-11 (Developmental Level 2): Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level and must fully meet the KSA's at the level. OR, Education: Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1, listed above. OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined under the basic requirements, education, section 1, listed above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements. Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare. Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology[, or research procedures, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation. Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 (Full Performance Level): 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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, SMDA, and TJC 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 VHA. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/104, Part II, Appendix G38 - Biomedical Engineer qualification standard. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the position. The basis on which agencies may establish specific medical standards or physical requirements is discussed in 5 CFR 339. A physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position being filled. The physical requirements for the position are: considerable and strenuous physical exertion, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas. And you may be subject to placement in the asbestos medical surveillance program. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Additional Information "Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care." This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.