MRI Technician - Rapid Progression

Deliverables:

• Clean Equipment - Daily
• Run Validation - Daily
• Inspect Equipment - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to performing quality assurance on scanner, data acquisition and archiving of imaging data; perform different pulse sequence and activation paradigms; focus on reproducibility and quality assurance - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to acquainting participants with the MRI scanner; perform research related manipulations during MRI experiments. - Ad-Hoc

Work Details:

• Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria. 1
• Ensure that everyone entering the scanner room is appropriately screened for MRI contraindications; maintain records of all MRI screening documentation. 2
• Collect and archive MRI data. 3
• Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality. 4
• Operate the control console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition. 5
• Executes research projects focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of different pulse sequence and activation paradigms with the assistance of an MRI Physicist.
• Collect Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain images, functional MRI images and MR spectra (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy).
• Perform clinical and research MRI procedures on patients and animals, including standard clinical MRI scans or more specialized research studies.
• Perform study testing, observations data entry and other duties associated with study sessions.
• Execute research projects focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of different pulse sequence and activation paradigms with the assistance of an MR physicist.
• Ensure that all human and animal experiments conducted follow applicable NIH standards and regulations.
• Organizes data into computerized data sets.
• 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.
• Create, enter and maintain research data on associated reports and spreadsheets.
• 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; acquire consent; 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.
• Perform standard clinical and more specialized research MRI procedures on patients (e.g., 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.
• Solves MRI related technical questions by designing and performing independent technical research work.
• Work with research fellows to assist development of new research protocols.
• Trains users on how to operate the scanner and gain independence in their experiments.
• 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.
• Advise staff on any problems that may need attention.
• Provides input to decide what modifications of the unit are necessary to produce optimum image spectra and most efficient use of the scanner.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify appropriate personnel in case of malfunctions; schedule and/or perform routine equipment maintenance functions.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

• MRI Technology

Work Schedule

• It is expected to be Saturdays and potentially a few hours on one Monday a month.

• Completion of Accredited MRI Technology Program in Medical Imagery or related science field

• Medical Technologies Technicians
• Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions
• Medical Assisting Services

• MS Office

• Operating an MRI scanner