MRI Technician

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Mri Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) located in Baltimore, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Information:

Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services. Hours will initially be evenings (11:30-8pm) but may eventually move to include weekends in the future subject to changes in clinic operating hours.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

AART certification

Field of Study

Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions

Software

MS office suite

Skills

Interpersonal skills due to extensive participant contact.

Work products and documents related to research procedures; operate Siemens scanner for human research utilizing both structural and functional MRI. - Ad-Hoc

Work products and documents related to performing different pulse sequence and activation paradigms; focus on reproducibility and quality assurance. - Ad-Hoc

Work products and documents related to performing study testing and observations duties. - Ad-Hoc

Work products and documents related to acclimating participants with the MRI scanner; perform research related manipulations during MRI experiments. - Ad-Hoc

Work products and documents related to creating, entering and maintaining data spreadsheets. - Ad-Hoc

Clean Equipment - Daily

Inspect Equipment - Daily

Statement of Work Details:

Ensure that everyone entering the scanner room is appropriately screened for MRI contraindications; maintain records of all MRI screening documentation. - 1

Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria. - 2

Perform clinical and research MRI procedures on patients, including standard clinical MRI scans or more specialized research studies. - 3

Collect Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain images, functional MRI images and MR spectra (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy). - 4

Ensure that all human experiments conducted follow applicable NIH standards and regulations. - 5

Perform regular quality assurance procedures on the scanner, data acquisition and archiving of imaging data

Operate 3T Siemens scanner for human brain research utilizing MR spectroscopy, structural and functional MRI

Ensure that all human experiments conducted follow applicable NIH standards and regulations

Act as a participant advocate for participant safety and comfort

Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality

Execute research projects focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of different pulse sequence and activation paradigms with the assistance of an MR physicist

Assist in training research fellows and other NIDA employees to perform MR studies

Advise staff on any problems that may need attention as well as provide guidance and ensure that scanning logistics, scheduling and supplies are taken care of in a timely fashion

Ensure that the MRI suite and mock scanner room are clean, in order and appropriately stocked with supplies to provide a clean environment for participants

Participate in developing and maintaining research protocol documentation and operations

Operate various research equipment following the training by and supervision of senior PhD MD level personnel Physicists, neuroscientists, physicians including, but not limited to EEG, MRI, TMS, tDCS

Perform research procedures on research participants and participate in the evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS

Create multiple redundant backups of all imaging data acquired, including past (historic) studies

Executes research projects focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of different pulse sequence and activation paradigms with the assistance of an MRI Physicist.

Set up all MRI-specific equipment and matrix camera, coils and display equipment for functional imaging.

Operate the control console during scanning, including selecting proper imaging sequence.

Execute research projects focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of different pulse sequence and activation paradigms with the assistance of an MR physicist.

Perform regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments.

Archive all image data and transfer of clinical images to the PACS system and the research data to off-line computer workstations; ensure that all study information is available in PACS and ready for radiologist review.

Transfer both raw and post-processed images and data to specified databases and/or secure storage media (secure external hard drives and/or DVDs), where they can be stored safely.

Log all scans performed in the appropriate logbook.

Enter participant/patient data at start of scanning and monitor data acquisition during scanning.

Create, enter and maintain research data on associated reports and spreadsheets.

Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality.

Collect and archive MRI data.

Acts as subject/patient advocate, monitoring comfort and subject cooperation with experimental protocol physiological parameters (pulse rate, respiration, oxygen saturation), and length of time of research exams.

Adhere to safety precautions and procedures that govern the MRI Facility.

Ensure the participant’s or patient’s safety and comfort throughout scanning using the patient monitoring system.

Transfer, position and instruct research participants and/or patients regarding the procedure to obtain the desired radiographic results as specified by the research study.

Act as a participant advocate for participant safety and comfort.

Perform all aspects of standard clinical imaging – prepare the patients to be scanned; explain the MRI procedure; address MRI safety screening for contraindications.

Operates the scanner during both anatomical and functional imaging experiments.

Operate the MRI scanner doing structural and functional imaging and MR spectroscopy studies, which are part of clinical research studies.

Operate the control console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition.

Perform standard clinical and more specialized research MRI procedures on patients (e.g., functional MRI, diffusion MRI, MR spectroscopy).

Schedules investigators' time on the scanner.

Assist in scheduling of research participants for MRI scans to achieve a smooth flow and optimal utilization of the Facility.

Solves MRI related technical questions by designing and performing independent technical research work.

Attend staff meetings to indicate MRI protocol progress/issues.

Trains users on how to operate the scanner and gain independence in their experiments.

Track all training and coordinate renewal of training.

Provides input to decide what modifications of the unit are necessary to produce optimum image spectra and most efficient use of the scanner.

Schedule and coordinate all non-routine scanner maintenance.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: View email address on click.appcast.io

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$80,000 - $90,000 USD

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Axle’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

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An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.