Flight Surgeon

Flight SurgeonProvides medical support for Virgin Galactic's space flight operations and assists in the provision of medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The Flight Surgeon will be integral in the development and revision of medical standards, screening, medical risk assessment, and medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants prior to and after space flights. The Flight Surgeon will assist with Emergency Response planning and execution. This position is also responsible for integrating with design and engineering teams, providing human systems requirement inputs in addition to cabin occupancy & safety standards for current and future space flight systems. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.ResponsibilitiesCare for pilots and spaceflight participants pre- and post-flightPerform FAA AME examinations for pilots and assist in management of the Pilot Medical Program. Enable and assist pilots to optimize their health and performance to thrive in the air & space environmentsParticipate in spaceflight participant (customer) readiness by performing medical assessments, risk determinations, and communication of medical risks to spaceflight participants and VG managementProvide care or coordination of care for VG visitors (e.g., spaceflight participant friends & family, incentive flyers/guest riders) while on site and/or at VG facilitiesProvide oversight of contract providers employed during flight operationsProvide oversight/training for aerospace medicine residents/medical studentsEngage in an active role supporting Emergency Response planning & executionDiscover, prevent, mitigate & manage various physiological responses that result from encountering dynamic environments (e.g., acceleration forces, microgravity)Develop, write, and edit medical standards and space system requirementsSupport Chief Medical Officer's strategic planning & medical concept of operations development and implementationParticipate in training of spaceflight participants, particularly regarding aeromedical aspects of suborbital spaceflightSupport and participate in centrifuge training for pilots/spaceflight participantsSupport the Chief Medical Officer to implement the execution of a medical program in accordance with strategic plansAdhere to safety standards congruent with Virgin Galactic values & practicesTrain and certify as a medical console operator in the Mission Control CenterEvaluate, assess and communicate medical risks of planned research payloadsProfessionally represent Virgin Galactic at customer engagements, medical conferences, and industry events.Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasksRequired Skills and ExperienceExperience and training in aerospace medicine are criticalM.D. or D.O. degree from an ACGME- or AOA-accredited program of postgraduate training (and/or international equivalent)Completion of an ACGME- or AOA- accredited residency in Aerospace Medicine (and/or international equivalent). Mayo Aerospace Medicine Fellowship also fulfills this requirementBoard eligible in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)Prior experience working as an aerospace medicine specialist within the aerospace industry (e.g., military, NASA, commercial space industry)Eligibility and commitment to acquire New Mexico medical licenseEligibility and commitment to acquire DEA certification (federal and New Mexico)Eligibility and commitment to obtain FAA Class 2 medical certificationCommitment to relocate/reside within 2-hour drive to Spaceport America, NMAbility to work a flexible schedule that may result in irregular hours based on the flight scheduleExperience in generating reports/communicating data regarding medical riskAbility to lead by example and think/plan strategicallyExcellent communication and writing skillsWillingness to commute to varied Virgin Galactic sites as requiredFamiliar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideasPreferred Skills and ExperienceCompleted ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency/fellowship program of postgraduate specialty training (and/or international equivalent) in a primary care field of medicine (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine) to include associated board certificationCurrent ABPM board certification in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)FAA Aviation Medical Examiner certification, Senior AME preferredAeronautical rating of Flight Surgeon, Senior Flight Surgeon or Chief Flight SurgeonWillingness/physical ability to fly regularly in aerobatic aircraft/high G environment to observe/evaluate pilot performanceMinimum 48 months of experience as a flight surgeonSpace medicine operational support experience highly desiredPhysical and/or Additional Requirements• Must be able to travel/commute to multiple Virgin Galactic sites• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces• Must be physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs• Must be willing to pursue additional training and/or certifications