Optometrist
What you'd do
Serves as the Clinical Lead (Eyes/Vision) for the Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) program in the Space and Occupational Medicine Branch at the Johnson Space Center. Directs the ocular-related clinical efforts associated with SANS; supports SANS research efforts as a Principal or Associate Investigator in collaboration with SANS scientists; and champions the acquisition, development, and deployment of SANS-related medical diagnostic devices.
Major duties
Provide expertise in operational medicine and space-based research, and collaborate with national and international experts in ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, cardiovascular physiology, nutritional biochemistry, exercise, and neuroradiology. Coordinate and participate in ocular examinations for astronauts in space, including visual acuity, fundoscopy, Ocular Coherence Tomography, ocular ultrasound, and the pre-mission training of these specialized tests. Serve as the Subject Matter Expert during remotely guided ocular testing and data collection of on-orbit crewmembers to ensure quality data and provide an initial analysis and clinical interpretation of test results for research and/or operations. Contribute to hardware research, development, test, and evaluation particularly for portable devices for retinal imaging, visual field testing, auto-refraction, and other future initiatives to be determined. Participate in laboratory team meetings (i.e., Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory, Nutritional Biochemistry, etc.) related to current and future research, ocular-related grant proposal development, implementation, data analyses and reporting. Participate on the interdisciplinary Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) team for monitoring, assessing, and managing ocular-related human system risks (i.e., SANS). Serve as a NASA organization/technical bridge between the operational flight medicine and science research teams.
What you need to qualify
You must meet all three requirements listed below; unless you are covered by an exception: The mandatory Basic Requirement shown in the Education section below; Specialized experience and/or directly related education, as shown below, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of this position; and Licensure/Registration requirements. For the GS-15, you must have level one year of professional optometrist experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level to the GS-14 level: Performing project/program management for federal research and development projects; Providing technical guidance for laser eye protection and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). Preferred Experience: Military Aeromedical Officer training or equivalent AND Licensure/Registration: A. Youmust have received a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry(external link) (NBEO) examinations and possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. B. Optometrists must possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry, and maintain a current registration in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia that requires successful passage of all parts of National Board of Examiners in Optometry intended for basic licensure. The Optometrist must maintain current registration in the state of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.