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
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens
Duties
As a Medical Officer, SL-0602-00, 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 the Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, upon entering the position and annually.
- THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
- Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
- Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet the Basic Requirements for this position as follows:
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)
NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
Education
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 alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
- Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
- A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
- 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.
- Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) meet the basic qualification standards (including minimum educational and experience requirements; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 90 and above on the rating criteria for this position; and, (4) submit the appropriate documentation ( to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
- Note: ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
- 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.
- 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.
- The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this job posting. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire and the result of the Structured Resume Review.
Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY 2 pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, you will be placed in one of the three pre-defined categories. The categories are shown below and candidates placed in the "Highly Qualified" category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager.
- Highly Qualified - Applicants with a background demonstrating a superior level of possession of all competencies.
- Well Qualified - Applicants with a background demonstrating a satisfactory level of possession of the competencies.
- Qualified - Applicants possessing the specialized experience described above and any education or selective factor if also required.
How you will be evaluated for preference eligibility: The Category Rating Method does not add Veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Documented preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification/eligibility requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% will be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine your eligibility and qualifications. If mandatory requirements are met, your application will be further evaluated based on training, experience and other factors critical to successful job performance.
Your resume must include the technical qualifications indicated below, meaning it must explicitly explain within the two-page resume these technical qualifications. Your skills and experience must be incorporated within your two-page resume itself.
Technical Qualifications -
Demonstrated experience and expertise in the following:
(1) gathering medical evidence, including selecting appropriate studies and coordinating with medical experts across multiple disciplines;
(2) interpreting medical evidence to draw conclusions about conditions and substances that may affect performance, and about mechanisms and severity of acute traumatic injuries; and
(3) communicating about medical topics to expert and non-expert audiences, including through direct instruction, technical writing, and formal presentation.
Do
NOT include information below in your resume/application as you will be deemed
INELIGIBLE for consideration.
- Classified/government sensitive information
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your Photos
- Personal information (e.g., age, gender, religion, etc.)
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12921826.
Required Documents
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume. 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 Two-Page 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 and the technical qualifications required for the position. The following information MUST 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.
- College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
- DD-214 (member copy 2 or 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.
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
Failure to submit all required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.
Falsification of information in your application, including overstating your qualifications/experience in any part of your submission may result in your removal from consideration.
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
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
NOTE: If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns prior to the closing date please send those emails to include the vacancy announcement number, position title and your reason for contacting us to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least 1 business day before the closing date.
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.