Functional Neurosurgery Bioengineer

Job Summary:

As a member of the intraoperative professional team, has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of technology support for the Neurosurgical Interventions of the Functional Neurosurgery Service (includes the services of the Movement Disorders Program and Level IV Pain Program).  Analyzes the radiographic positioning of Deep Brain Stimulation leads for movement disorders; plans MRI-based targets and trajectories with the neurosurgeon. Performs intraoperative radiographic analysis; maintains and upgrades stereotactic hardware and electronic neurophysiology recording systems and provides support to the Neurosurgical Team and the related biomedical functions.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Clinical Practice - Primary responsibility is overall technology management and development for the Functional Neurosurgery Service. Initiates improvements to technique and quality, (for example) by establishing a program for testing the electrical environment of operating rooms and implementing new computerized electrode trajectory software. Performs intraoperative radiographic analysis to determine intracranial locations of mapping and stimulation electrodes. Maintains stereotactic hardware and electronic neurophysiology recording systems, including interaction with vendors. Writes custom software for stereotactic position analysis; assembles and modifies electronic and mechanical instrumentation for intra-operative recording; develops electronic and mechanical QA procedures; secures equipment for Functional Neurosurgery. Supports the future development of the Functional Neurosurgery Program and potential Movement Disorders Laboratory.  
• Staff - Works in collaboration with other members of the health care team, assists in staff education, trains CT and MRI Techs in FNS protocol, and trains others as appropriate. Introduces new techniques / innovations based on knowledge of advanced practice trends in Bioengineering. Shares expert knowledge within neurosurgery/neuroscience specialty with various client groups and participates in outreach activities to promote the FNS Program. Provides patient care support with regards to equipment, electronics and technology.
• Consultation - Represents an area of expertise within the community and shares expert knowledge within the Functional Neurosurgery specialty. Supports the Neurosurgery Service in the selection, implementation and maintenance of technical equipment.
• Research - Participation in research as well as contributes to literature or for the expansion of the body of scientific knowledge within area of neuroscience. Evaluates and disseminates research findings to support / change standards of care. Applies best practice research findings in day-to-day work.
• Administration - Represents the team within the facility and across the region to support the Functional Neurosurgery Program. Participates in setting the direction for Quality Assurance / Performance Improvement and assists in analyzing data regarding outcomes. Identifies and implements quality improvement and cost reducing strategies for the organization.
• Kaiser Permanente conducts compensation reviews of positions on a routine basis. At any time, Kaiser Permanente reserves the right to re-evaluate and change job descriptions, or to change such positions from salaried to hourly pay status.  Such changes are generally implemented only after notice is given to affected employees.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of hands-on experience utilizing functional neurosurgical diagnostic and therapeutic equipment during the insertion of Deep Brain Stimulators, or acceptable equivalent.

Education

• M.S. in Engineering, Physics or Applied Physics or Applied Biological Science, and/or Electrophysiology.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements:

• Understanding of central nervous system anatomy, Deep Brain Stimulators (DBS), intrathecal pumps, spinal cord stimulators, motor cortex stimulators and other neurosurgical implants.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with Movement Disorders diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
• Five years of experience in area of Functional Neurosurgery / Functional Restoration.
• Effective inter-personal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics or Applied Physics or Applied Biological Science, and/or Electrophysiology.

Additional Information:

• Biomedical engineering support for: Magnetoencephalography (MEG)/Electroencephalography (EEG), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and Epilepsy Surgery for the Functional Neurosurgery and Level IV Epilepsy programs in KP Redwood City

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, including but not limited to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances.

This position supports Kaiser Permanente’s code of conduct and compliance by adhering to all laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and internal policies and procedures.

For immediate consideration, please visit http://kp.org/careers for complete qualifications and job submission details, referencing job number 1229317.