Title:
Vision Scientist (On-site at Johnson Space Center)
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KBR is looking for a Vision Scientist. This position will provide scientific and technical support to the Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory (CVL) at NASA Johnson Space Center. The CVL is a component of the Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, which implements the science objectives of the life sciences research laboratories at the Johnson Space Center. The successful candidate will be responsible for participating in the design and implementation of research directed toward reducing the risk of spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). The primary function of the incumbent will be to develop research proposals, support and lead research studies, and support operational tasks of activities conducted in the CVL. This includes collecting and analyzing data, managing all aspects of assigned projects, and reporting of research and medical data internally and externally to NASA. We are particularly interested in individuals whose expertise will complement the existing CVL research portfolio, and planned research experiments to enable NASA to safely send humans on exploration class missions. This may include, but is not limited to, training in ocular physiology, cardiovascular physiology, and/or spaceflight physiology.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for compliance with Safety, Health and Environmental plan; must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the Company’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
2. Responsible for compliance with the Quality Assurance Plan, policies and procedures.
3. Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance level as determined by the Company.
4. Responsible for completing all assigned training.
5. Assist in experiment protocol development and implementation.
6. Assist with human subject research data collection, analysis, reduction, and interpretation.
7. Ability to implement detailed research study protocols and data management procedures.
8. Maintain organized and secure approach to retrieval and analysis of archived data.
9. Must be comfortable in simultaneously coordinating multiple projects and managing individual responsibilities.
10. Approach tasks with flexibility and willingness to re-direct efforts in the event of changing laboratory priorities.
11. Travel to and participate in scientific meetings to present experimental results and interact with extramural scientists to remain abreast with current research.
12. Analyze and organize technical data and reports for management review.
13. Assist in development of grant proposals and prepare reports and manuscripts.
14. Willingness to undertake domestic and foreign travel, as required, to support spaceflight, bed rest, and ground-based experiments.
15. Perform other duties as required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required: This position requires a Ph.D. degree in physiological optics/vision science and O.D. degree in optometry with 6+ years’ experience, with preferred experience in optical coherence tomography imaging of optic disc edema and/or other optic nerve head pathologies. The incumbent's abilities and areas of technical skills will include the following: Experience in optometry/ophthalmology research; leading development, design, and implementation of human research protocols; and evidence of scientific productivity in the past 5 years; preparation and publication of scientific manuscripts; ability to integrate and synthesize raw data for reporting; ability to deliver oral and written communication of scientific data; ability to work independently and to manage multiple projects/timelines; and to oversee analysis of physiological data.
Incumbent must have the ability to work effectively both in large teams and independently; and work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting where there are frequently divergent or competing goals for the project implementation and outcome, as well as excellent interpersonal skills and highly developed organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical and/or scientific requirements is also required. The incumbent must have the ability to travel independently (domestic and international).
Desired: Technical skills associated with image analysis, electrophysiology, is a plus.
SKILLS/TRAINING
Required: Superior written and oral communication skills are required as is the ability to work independently and as a team. The candidate must have the ability to work effectively with intramural and extramural teams, including international partners, to conduct complex flight and ground-based research projects. The employee will need to be familiar with basic statistical techniques and principles of experimental design. The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures governing the use of human test subjects. The incumbent must be computer literate and must be able to master the use of spreadsheets and other software packages used for data collection, reduction, and analysis. In particular, the incumbent should be proficient with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and Power Point). The incumbent must have knowledge of physiological optics/vision science research methodology and remain current in this area through the study of pertinent literature.
Desired: Experience with advanced imaging analysis, and statistical analysis and approaches.
Some relocation funds are available.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
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Inclusion and Diversity at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people, sustainability, and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a more inclusive and diverse company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment of real collaboration across cultures and locations. Our individual differences and perspectives bring enhanced value to our teams and help us develop solutions for the most challenging problems. We understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are more innovative, more resilient, and safer. We Deliver – Together.
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KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.