Vision Scientist

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Vision Scientist

Background:

Tunnell has a contract opportunity available supporting the Division of Ophthalmic Devices (DOD) within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) at the Food and Drug Administration. A Vision Scientist is needed to conduct scientific and regulatory reviews to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ophthalmic devices. This is a remote position. 

DOD serves as the primary source for scientific and medical expertise on ophthalmic medical devices with regard to safety and effectiveness. The Division carries out scientific and end-to-end medical device review evaluation, including coordinating and making premarket review determinations, as well as planning and coordinating post market compliance and enforcement efforts related to medical devices.

Duties of the position:

Duties of the Vision Scientist may include but are not limited to:

• With guidance and direction from senior scientists and engineers, the reviewer will review total product life-cycle actions (premarket, compliance, and post-market surveillance) related to ophthalmic devices. Actions may include 510(k)s, PMAs, De Novos, IDEs, pre-submissions, submission issue requests, 513(g)s, recalls and complaint submissions. Reviewer will apply his/her technical expertise to determine the adequacy of methodology, protocols and data concerning bench, animal and/or clinical testing and will, as needed, obtain appropriate consultation reviews of methodology, protocols and data that are outside the scope of the reviewer’s expertise. Based on a collective evaluation of the submission, the reviewer will provide a recommendation of submission clearance, approval, disapproval, request additional information or provide scientific and/or regulatory feedback to applicants. For each submission, the reviewer will prepare a comprehensive memo supporting the recommendation and, when required, prepare the appropriate correspondence to the applicant.
• Assist with the developing, modifying, and evaluating guidelines concerning data required in medical device actions to be submitted to the Agency. In this capacity, the reviewer participates as a member of a team of experts to develop agency or center-wide guidelines applicable to the regulation of relevant medical devices.
• Present reviews, conclusions, opinions, and recommendations to appropriate scientific review panels on PMAs, petitions for reclassification, etc. These presentations will include key issues pertaining to the safety and effectiveness of the medical device(s), outlines of deficiencies, and recommendations for approval or non-approval of the device or the submission.
• Enhance professional career development by collaborating with other scientists to better understand medical device problems. Keep abreast of current events and findings and changes in medical device law and regulations through review of scientific and legislative literature, personal contact with relevant authorities, and by attending scientific meetings.

Qualifications:

The candidate should have a solid background in basic and/or clinical visual psychophysics, visual optics, and optical instrumentation as evidenced by a record of independent, peer-reviewed published research.

A highly qualified candidate will have research experience with human participants including clinical trial design and management, especially clinical research involving ophthalmic devices (e.g., surgical lasers - cornea and retina), functional and diagnostic imaging devices, diagnostic visual tests, ocular implants such as intraocular lenses and retinal prosthetics).  Experience in the manufacture, quality control, validation/ verification testing and measures for prescription of ophthalmic optical devices (e.g., intraocular lenses and contact lenses) is desired. Expertise in critically reviewing scientific documents and skill in clearly communicating review results are essential.  Background in the following technical area(s) is highly desirable:

• Visual Neuroscience

• • Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the retina and visual pathways
  • Visual electrophysiology, both clinical (ERG, VEP, etc.) and basic (single & multi-cell recording, retinal/LGN/cortical circuitry, electrical stimulation of visual pathways)
  • Functional imaging of visual pathways (e.g., functional MRI, opto-genetics, fluorescence)

• Optics of the eye

• • Sources of retinal scattered light and its effects on retinal image quality in fovea and periphery
  • Retinal image quality (resolution and contrast) as a function of eccentricity
  • Optics of photoreceptors

• Light energy hazard analysis, and mechanisms of light damage to the eye
• Low Vision causes (medical conditions leading to impaired vision) and rehabilitation
• Clinical psychophysical & optical testing

• • contrast sensitivity (typical luminance and low luminance),
  • BCVA (best corrected visual acuity) and low contrast acuity,
  • mesopic acuity,
  • perimetry,
  • color vision testing,
  • stereopsis, binocular vision
  • pupillometry,
  • aberrometry
  • accommodation testing
  • light & dark adaptation
  • psychophysical methodology

Education and Experience:

• Doctoral level degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.O.) in a relevant field is preferred; however, an M.S. in Life Sciences/Engineering discipline combined with extensive experience with vision science and ophthalmic devices may also be
• Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in fields directly relevant to the Vision Scientist position.
• Experience authoring and evaluating responses to and from Regulatory Agencies is desired.
• Demonstrated capability of proficient written and oral communication

This position is 100% telework. 

Must be a US Citizen or full Green card holder.

Tunnell strives to hire and retain the most qualified talent. We believe that having employees with different backgrounds and capabilities contributes to the success of our business. To attract qualified applicants, Tunnell posts to a wide variety of job sites. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please be advised that certain client contracts may outline specific requirements for onsite work. Tunnell employees and/or contractors are expected to comply with all client requirements, including any safety and health protocols.