Medical Officer Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DE-12722628-25-AB Department National Transportation Safety Board
Salary $150,160.00 to $215,800.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/30/2025 Close Date 7/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The incumbent will serve as a Senior Technical Advisor (Medical Officer) providing expert opinions for accident investigation and research programs at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the areas of human physiology and medical fitness, human toxicology and pathology, medical epidemiology, and biomechanics.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen.

Duties

The ideal candidate for this position will be a physician who has extensive knowledge and experience in areas such as toxicology; clinical and forensic pathology; determinations of cognitive or physical impairment related to the cause of an accident; research methodology; injury analysis; and using medical literature to provide evidence-based support for medical conclusions.

In addition, the candidate should possess expertise in communicating complex medical issues in plain language, writing technical reports, and have the skills to develop and present educational programs dealing with medical issues in an accident investigation. Finally, the ideal candidate must be available to investigate medical and injury issues related to transportation accidents anywhere across the United States. As the Medical Officer, SL-0602-00, you will perform the following duties:

  • Serves as an expert consultant in researching, evaluating, and interpreting medical records and other evidence relating to accident investigations and safety studies across all transportation modes.
  • Conducts or leads a variety of safety studies related to medical fitness using accident investigation results as the basis for formulating recommendations for safety improvements. Adopted recommendations will impact worldwide transportation industries.
  • Provides written medical analysis of accident investigations, medical issues, and toxicology findings, including medical conditions and qualifications of transportation operators.
  • Writes authoritative technical papers that analyze clinical medical, biomechanical, policy, epidemiologic, and/or ergonomic issues related to transportation safety. Provides technical review of such issues for investigative reports.
  • Analyzes and makes recommendations on issues related to medical priorities and develops unique program evaluation and assessment ideas in anticipation of, or in response to, Congressional interest.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
  • Suitability for Federal employment
  • Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  • Bargaining Unit Position: NO
  • Direct Deposit is required.
  • A probationary period may be required.
  • You may be required to complete and submit an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, prior to entering the position and annually thereafter.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements for this position are:

DEGREE: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or equivalent from a school in the United States or Canada. This degree must have been accredited by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; Association of American Medical Colleges; Liaison Committee on Medical Education; Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

NOTE: Degree from Foreign Medical School: A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must provide education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed premedical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

GRADUATE TRAINING: Subsequent to obtaining a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, a candidate must have completed residency training in at least one specialty recognized by the American Medical Association, (AMA) or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

LICENSURE: Applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

CERTIFICATION: Candidates must have attained Board Certification in a medical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must also:
  • have completed a combination of graduate training and experience of at least 5 years in a specialized area of study (for example, aerospace medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, emergency medicine, or pathology).
  • possess at least 5 years of directly applicable qualifying experience. Qualifying experience is defined as: (1) interpreting toxicology, autopsy, and other medical data to evaluate impairment, (2) effectively communicating technical medical information in both verbal and written form to the public, (3) evaluating acute traumatic injury mechanisms and injury causation based on medical records, radiology reports and imaging and autopsy reports, and (4) developing and completing technical medical reports and presentations for medical audiences.
For more information see link: Medical Officer Series 0602 (opm.gov)

Education

The education requirements are stated in the Qualifications section above.

GENERAL EDUCATION: All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at an institution that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications. For a list of schools that meet these criteria, see https://www.ed.gov/accreditation?src=rn. Applications submitted without the required supporting documents will not be accepted. An unofficial transcript; statement from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation is acceptable at the time of application. Education submitted must be appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at: http://www.ed.gov

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as compressed work schedules, fitness and transit benefits.
  • Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
  • If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
  • Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
  • An exemption from the Federal civilian hiring freeze has been granted for filling this position related to public safety.
  • Multiple and subsequent vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
  • NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined above. Each applicant is required to submit a comprehensive narrative statement separately addressing each Professional Technical Qualification (PTQ).

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION. Narratives must demonstrate the necessary level of skills, characteristics, qualities, specialized knowledge, and technical competence that would indicate successful performance in this Senior Level position. This evidence must include clear and concise examples that emphasize the applicant's level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of assignments, program accomplishments, policy initiatives, and level of contacts. All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the Professional Technical Qualifications. You must address each PTQ separately. You are required to respond to all of the PTQ's. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as ineligible. Please limit your written statements to no more than two (2) pages per PTQ.

1. Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience in interpreting medical records, toxicology reports, autopsy reports, radiology reports, and other medical data to evaluate the potential effects of medical conditions and substances on job performance, and to evaluate the causal mechanisms and severity of acute traumatic injuries.

2. Demonstrated expertise and experience in communicating technical medical information in both verbal and written form to the public, and in developing and completing technical medical reports and presentations for medical audiences.

Required Documents

You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:

  • A Complete Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g., GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
  • Responses to the questionnaire.
  • Proof of completed residency training in at least one specialty recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
  • Current active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
  • Proof of Board Certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties.
  • A separate narrative statement addressing each of the Professional Technical Qualifications - experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities as related to each. Each Professional Technical Qualification must be addressed separately. Narratives must not exceed two (2)pages per qualification.
  • College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
  • Veterans Only: DD-214 (member copy 4), SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

  1. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section). The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 7/15/2025.
  2. To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
  3. To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12722628.
  4. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
NOTE: If you cannot apply online, please send an e-mail which includes the vacancy announcement number, position title and the reason you are not able to apply on-line to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least 1 business day before the closing date.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Division
Address
Office of Research and Engineering
490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW
Washington, DC 20594
US

Next steps

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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