Molecular Imaging Manager

About the Role

The Manager of Molecular Imaging oversees the daily operations of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center, Nuclear Medicine, and Nuclear Infusions at Keck Medical Center. This role balances clinical excellence, personnel management, and regulatory compliance to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. The Manager ensures accurate and timely performance of diagnostic tests, supervises technical and support staff, and drives ongoing professional development. The position also ensures strict adherence to healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and hospital policies, while proactively identifying safety risks and leading process improvement initiatives.

The Manager plans, organizes, and manages overall Molecular Imaging operations within the Imaging Services Department, providing supervision, coaching, and mentoring to technical and support staff. Responsibilities include leading operational functions such as patient/customer satisfaction, administrative tasks, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and clinical performance.

Responsibilities

• Directs daily operations by planning, managing, implementing, and evaluating services to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Analyzes and plans for departmental needs, including staffing requirements, PTO approvals, and schedule creation/amendments.
• Assumes 24-hour responsibility for assigned areas and ensures proper charging of procedures to optimize reimbursement.
• Monitors quality, patient safety, and patient satisfaction; oversees implementation of improvement measures.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures consistent with hospital and system guidelines.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory agency standards (federal, state, city, DNV, IDPH) and hospital policies.
• Collaborates with physicians, management, and healthcare professionals to deliver quality care and ensure patient satisfaction.
• Networks with peers and professionals at other healthcare facilities for benchmarking and best practices.
• Actively participates in hospital committees, CQI projects, and cross-departmental coordination to enhance patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.
• Performs human resources responsibilities, including hiring, staff development, performance evaluations, and employee morale initiatives.
• Facilitates the development of the Molecular Imaging/Theranostics Program through coordination, growth, and marketing initiatives.
• Leads a multi-disciplinary committee to align on program strategy, innovative therapies, technology, and capital investment.
• Oversees an annual operating gross revenue budget of approximately $89M and an expense budget of $8M, ensuring budget targets are met.
• Develops and maintains a highly engaged workforce of approximately 25 FTEs and implements a talent strategy for key leaders.
• Available via text/phone while on duty and after-hours, including nights and weekends.
• Maintains staff and patient confidentiality.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nuclear medicine technology.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific discipline or related field.
• 2-3 years of experience as a Nuclear Medicine or PET Technologist.
• Minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role (manager, supervisor, or lead technologist).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and planning skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, changing priorities, and complex assignments.

Qualifications

• Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CA DPH).
• Advanced ARRT or NMTCB Certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
• Certified Radiologic Technologist (CA DPH) or equivalent national license (e.g., ARMRIT).
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) – must be obtained within 30 days of hire if not already certified.
• Preferred: Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA).

Pay

The salary range for this position is $138,445.00 - $228,434.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal/state/local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market and organizational considerations.