MRI Technician

MRI Technologist

The Department of Radiology includes more than 100 full-time faculty members, clinical associates, advanced practice providers, and postdoctoral researchers. A tradition of excellence in patient care, basic, clinical, and translational sciences, combined with the strengths of one of the world's top academic institutions provides the foundation for a robust career in the University of Chicago Medical System. The University of Chicago MRI Research Center is dedicated to supporting clinical and basic research studies that include MR imaging components. The MRIRC houses two MRI scanners and employs experienced support staff. The scanners are equipped for neuro, body, cardiac, musculoskeletal imaging in adult and pediatric patients, as well as animal imaging. The scanners have the necessary equipment for clinical trials and functional MRI (fMRI).

Job Summary

The job provides clinical research laboratories with technical support. Works within defined processes and procedures to assist in specialty research potentially involving animals, MRI technologies, and histology. Completes work with a limited degree of supervision. The job uses best practices and knowledge of patients and exercises autonomous decision making in the assessment, diagnosis and initiation of delegated medical treatments. The scope of practice includes family support, discharge planning, staff education, consultation and research.

Responsibilities

• Performs imaging in the MR and holds competency in these MR. Performs procedures according to set protocols established by radiologists or researchers.
• Review all requisitions to ensure correct exam(s) have been scheduled and allotted the proper time frame.
• Has knowledge of and utilizes appropriate care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, young and mature adults, and geriatric patients.
• Prepares contrast media, (or radio pharmaceutical) performs venipuncture, and administers contrast (or radio pharmaceutical) to patients under the direction of the physician.
• Review/evaluate completed exams for quality and proper format. Makes notation when images are to be repeated, and the proper technical factors needed for correction.
• Provides patient education prior to, during, and subsequent to the procedure in order to reduce patient anxiety and enhance patient comfort, providing optimal imaging.
• Reports and records all malfunctioning equipment to Imaging Manager and/ Clinical Engineering appropriately.
• Appropriately utilizes imaging systems, accessories and patient positioning techniques to generate quality images.
• Ensure safety of patients and non-radiology staff in and around the imaging scanner/equipment. Ensures that all regulatory compliance standards are met to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Participates in continuing education activities to maintain appropriate accreditation.
• Utilizes radiology information systems in accordance with current guidelines and protocols.
• Perform daily quality assurance (QA) scans to ensure the system is in good working order.
• Check to ensure that routine PMs (Preventive Maintenance) are performed as scheduled. Routinely checks equipment for damage and reports repairs as needed. (Ex. Checks the RF coils if working in MRI for damage/and report repairs.
• Document all system errors and save raw image and raw data when necessary to help service personnel troubleshoot any problems with the systems.
• Assists with new staff training and orientation and serves as a conduit for communication when needed between the manager, staff, and facility users.
• Provides technical support for clinical research studies with limited supervision, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Follows established protocols to handle, process, and prepare research samples and specimens for testing; supports analysis and examination as needed.
• Supports laboratory quality and safety initiatives, including equipment inspections, temperature monitoring, and documentation of quality improvement efforts.
• Protects data integrity by controlling access to electronic files, rooms, and storage cabinets; works with leadership and staff to streamline proposal preparation, training, and project workflows.
• Contributes expertise in documenting research methods, including questionnaire development, data collection approaches, sampling strategies, and statistical weighting decisions.
• Assists with subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
• Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Satisfactory completion of formal primary pathway in MRI accredited program and clinical training in an AMA or JCERT approved program.

Licenses and Certifications: ARRT or ARMRIT. BLS.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to conduct physical examinations and health assessments.
• Ability to interview and obtain medical information.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills.

Working Conditions

• Works in clinical and research lab settings, including MRI suites.
• May be exposed to blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, and biological specimens; follows safety protocols.
• Interacts with patients across all age groups.
• Requires standing, walking, and maneuvering around equipment; may lift or move patients or materials.
• Operates complex imaging and lab equipment, ensuring safety and proper function.
• Occasionally faces stressful situations, such as urgent timelines or equipment issues.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

​FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

​Pay Range

$38.46 - $50.48

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call View phone number on click.appcast.io or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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