MRI Technologist - Akahi Associates, LLC

Overall Position Summary and Objectives

• This position is an MRI technician at the National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program. It is expected to be Saturdays and potentially some evenings/Sundays. Work products and documents related to research procedures, including evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques utilizing MRI; operate Siemens scanner for both human and animal research utilizing both structural and functional MRI. 

Schedule

• 12 hours/week 
• 3 days/week 
• 4 hours/shift (afternoons and evenings)

Pay Rate 

$36.00/hour - $48.25/hours (dependings on years of experience)

Statement of Work Details 

• 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.
  • Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality. 4
  • 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.
  
  • Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria. 1
  • 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.
  • Ensure that everyone entering the scanner room is appropriately screened for MRI contraindications; maintain records of all MRI screening documentation. 2
  • 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.
  • Operate the control console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition. 5
  • 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.
  
  • Operate peripheral hardware as needed for effective image and data acquisition.
  • 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.

Deliverables

• Clean Equipment
• Daily Run Validation
• Daily Inspect Equipment
• 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
• Work products and documents related to acquainting participants with the MRI scanner; perform research related manipulations during MRI experiments. 

Certifications and Licenses 

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

Field of Study

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

Skills 

• Operating an MRI scanner 

Software: 

• MS Office