Qualifications

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
• 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
• Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time
• OR, Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item above
• 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for this position
• GS-07: Basic education requirements Assignment
• Employees serve in an entry level biomedical engineer career development position
• It is expected that biomedical engineers at the entry level receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and perform assignments under close supervision
• GS-09: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level
• This experience must demonstrate the knowledge skills and abilities listed below
• OR, Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study outlined in the basic requirements
• OR, Bachelor's degree outlined in the basic requirements, plus two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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
• Assignment
• Biomedical Engineers, at this developmental level, require direction on more complex tasks
• Employees complete technical assignments in the engineering field, under the direction of a senior biomedical engineer and will be required to rotate through, and participate in, the operations of other hospital services
• GS-11: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level
• This experience must demonstrate the knowledge skills and abilities listed below
• OR, Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in the basic requirements
• OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in the basic requirements
• Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
• 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
• Assignment
• At the developmental level, employees' function 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, the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA), TJC requirements, 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
• GS-12: 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
• Demonstrate 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
• Assignment
• At the full performance level, employees work under general supervision, with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment
• Drawing upon extended professional and technical experience, employees demonstrate an intimate understanding of complex clinical and biomedical subject matter
• References: VA Handbook 5005/104, Part II, Appendix G38, Biomedical Engineer Qualification Standard, GS-0858, Veterans Health Administration
• 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: The work may require regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of items weighing up to 40 pounds, and bending/stooping.