MRI Technician (51951)

MRI Technician

Salary Range $75,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary/year Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level Masters Degree Travel Percentage None Category Public Health

Description

Position Objective: The MRI Technician will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) within the National Institutes of Health.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments
• Train research staff and other staff on scanner operation
• Work with staff to design and modify research protocols; optimize MRIMRS protocols
• Provide input on modifications of scanner to produce optimum image spectra and most efficient use of scanner
• Ensure that studies are conducted in compliance with NIH standards and regulations
• Perform duties such as intravenous injection of MRI contrast agents and flushing vascular access devices according to the study
• Perform vein-puncture on infants, children and adults utilizing angiocaths, quickhatches and butterfly needles per physician orders for injection of contract media
• Conduct MR Magnetic Resonance safety screening of human subjects
• Collect Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI brain images, functional MRI images and MR spectra Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Collect and archive MRIMRS data
• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments
• Perform clinical and research MRI procedures on patients and animals, including standard clinical MRI scans or more specialized research studies
• Set up all MRI-specific equipment and matrix camera, coils and display equipment for functional imaging
• Operate the controls console during scanning, including selecting proper imaging sequence
• Work in conjunction with other clinical staff, research scientists and administrative staff in maintaining the smooth function of the facility
• Perform study testing, observations data entry and other duties associated with study sessions
• Ensure that all human and animal experiments conducted follow applicable NIH standards and regulations
• Collect, manages and analyze prepare data generated by experiments in laboratory animals
• 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 log book
• Enter participant patient data at start of scanning and monitor data acquisition during scanning
• Perform post-processing steps to acquired images and data as specified by the study investigators
• 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
• Maintain monthly statistical data for MRI scans
• Collect and archive MRI data
• 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
• 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.
• Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria
• Adhere to safety precautions and procedures that effect the MRI Facility
• Ensure the participants or patients safety and comfort throughout scanning using the patient monitoring system
• Ensure that everyone entering the scanner room is appropriately screened for MRI contraindications; maintain records of all MRI screening documentation
• Operate the MRI scanner doing structural and functional imaging and MR spectroscopy studies, which are part of clinical research studies
• Operate the controls 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 eg, functional MRI, diffusion MRI, MR spectroscopy, or animal scans
• 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
• Identify times when the scanner can be used for clinical studies
• Create and update a schedule for the Facility that integrates research studies and clinical studies
• Maintain MRI schedule
• Monitor MRI study participant schedule on a day to day and weekly basis
• Ensure that the scanner is used optimally on a daily basis; inform the researchers of any open the scanner slots and adjust the schedule to ensure efficient use of the scanner
• Solves MRI related technical questions by designing and performing independent technical research work.
• Provide guidance and ensure that scanning logistics, scheduling and supplies are taken care of
• Attend staff meetings to indicate MRI protocol progress issues
• Work with research fellows to assist development of new research protocols
• Search for ways to optimize scanning protocols used by investigators
• Trains users on how to operate the scanner and gain independence in their experiments.
• Educate staff on research protocols and the use of the scanners
• Train and mentor personnel in the use of various research equipment
• Work with staff on training of research fellows and other employees to perform MR studies
• Conduct training for new and existing MRI research protocols
• Train research staff and other staff on scanner operation and MR safety issues
• Provides expert level information on the software and hardware capabilities of the MRI scanner.
• Operate peripheral hardware as needed for effective image and data acquisition
• Ensure the integrity of previously acquired data, hardware and other equipment, software and physical environment of the Facility
• Advise staff on any problems that may need attention
• Work with clinical scientists, coil developers and other vendors to test and troubleshoot new hardware and software for the MRI scanner
• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify appropriate personnel in case of malfunctions; schedule and/or perform routine equipment maintenance functions
• Work in conjunction with other clinical staff, research scientists, and administrative staff in maintaining the smooth function of the facility
• Assist in scheduling of research participants for MRI scans to achieve a smooth flow and optimal utilization of the Facility
• Recognize equipment malfunctions and notify appropriate personnel in case of malfunctions
• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on the scanner, data acquisition and archiving of imaging data
• Work products and documents related to conducting MR safety screening of human subjects; collect MRI brain images, functional MRI images and MR spectra; collecting and archiving MRI/MRS data.
• Work products and documents related to performing regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments; training research staff and other staff on scanner operation.
• Work products and documents related to designing and modifying research protocols; optimizing MRI/MRS protocols; ensuring that studies are conducted in compliance with NIH standards and regulations.
• Work products and documents related to performing intravenous injection of MRI contrast agents and flushing vascular access devices according to the study protocol; performing veni-puncture on infants, children and adults utilizing angiocaths, quickcaths and butterfly needles per physician orders for injection of contract media.
• Clean Equipment Daily
• Run Validation Daily
• Inspect Equipment Weekly
• Meet with lab members to present updates

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in MRI Technology, General Medical and Health Services, or similar field of study
• American Registry of Radiology Technology (ARRT) with advanced certification in MRI.
• Skilled in MS Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects