Flight Attending Veterinarian

Leidos•Houston, TX

22h•$131,300 - $237,350•Onsite

About The Position

Leidos has an opening for a Flight Attending Veterinarian to support animal research vital to the Agency, the Nation, and International Partners on the International Space Station and other spacecraft used by NASA. The space-based research aided by the incumbent is aimed at both helping send people farther into space and to helping benefit life on Earth. The incumbent serves as the veterinarian on the Flight Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and advises the Flight Institutional Official (IO) on any and all aspects of the animal care and use program associated with space flight activities. Maintains close communication during missions with the Flight IO, Flight IACUC, and NASA Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) concerning all NASA animal space flight activities. Communicates as necessary, with other center veterinarians on flight related ground activities (e.g. crew training, ground processing, etc.). Responsible for the review and disposition of waiver/deviation requests, of animal welfare requirements for all in-flight animal facilities, in-flight equipment, and in-flight operations, within the limits allowed by applicable guidelines, policies, and regulations. Provides consultation to research teams (Principal Investigator and Research Integrator) during the development of animal care and use protocols, with specific attention to model selection, animal care and husbandry, anesthesia, analgesia, surgical procedures, and euthanasia. Provides consultation to the International Space Station (ISS) and other NASA programs which conduct research using animals (vertebrates and higher order cephalopods) and their contractors on feasibility, animal welfare, and implementation of proposed research studies, including hardware modifications or ground support equipment and transportation. Provides training to researchers, research support personnel, IACUC members, crew members, and other relevant stakeholders in the humane care and use of laboratory animals. Work closely with trainers to guide and support animal-related training of crew members assigned to support in-flight animal activities on the ISS, as well as the evaluation of crew qualifications to perform those activities in flight. Serves as the primary point of contact for the Flight IACUC for issues related to crew training and qualifications. Provides console support to in-flight animal activities to include serving as the crew communicator (RCOM) during animal activities conducted in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG). Supports the Flight IACUC Chair by providing administrative support for committee activities and functions. Supports the CVO in the development and evolution of NASA policies, procedures, guidelines relevant to animal need, selection and use; animal facility design and outfitting; and development and validation of requirements for flight hardware directly related to animal care and use.

Requirements

Graduated from a veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on Education, or has a certificate issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates.
Mastery knowledge of, and skill in applying broad areas of veterinary medical science concepts to plan and execute veterinarian programs for in-flight animal facilities, in-flight equipment, and in-flight animal operations.
AT LEAST 5 years of experience in certifying animals for flight and in supporting in-flight animal activities as a veterinarian.
Mastery knowledge of, and skill in applying broad areas of veterinary medical science concepts, principles, and practices sufficient to use veterinary expertise in recommending decisions in cases of disputes or difficult situations or problems; evaluate and advise the regulated community regarding current regulatory guidance and procedures for the humane handling, maintenance, transportation, housing, and experimental use of animals.
Residency training in laboratory animal medicine and 5 years of post-residency experience, OR AT LEAST 10 years of experience working as a laboratory animal veterinarian and 5 years of experience serving on an IACUC.

Responsibilities

Ensuring the availability of veterinary support at all times during flights that include animal activities.
Designating Duty Veterinarians, as needed.
Serving as the veterinarian on the Flight Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Advising the Flight Institutional Official (IO) on all aspects of the animal care and use program associated with space flight activities.
Maintaining close communication during missions with the Flight IO, Flight IACUC, and NASA Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) concerning all NASA animal space flight activities.
Communicating with other center veterinarians on flight-related ground activities.
Reviewing and dispositioning waiver/deviation requests of animal welfare requirements for in-flight animal facilities, equipment, and operations.
Providing consultation to research teams during the development of animal care and use protocols.
Providing consultation to NASA programs and their contractors on research using animals.
Providing training to researchers, support personnel, IACUC members, crew members, and stakeholders in the humane care and use of laboratory animals.
Guiding and supporting animal-related training of crew members assigned to support in-flight animal activities.
Evaluating crew qualifications to perform in-flight animal activities.
Serving as the primary point of contact for the Flight IACUC for issues related to crew training and qualifications.
Providing console support to in-flight animal activities, including serving as the crew communicator (RCOM) during animal activities in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG).
Providing administrative support for Flight IACUC committee activities and functions.
Supporting the CVO in the development and evolution of NASA policies, procedures, and guidelines relevant to animal care and use.