MRI Technician

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
• 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 protocol; 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
• Collect and archive MRIMRS data
• 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, manage 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
• 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
• Maintain monthly statistical data for MRI scans
• Ensure that the participants or patients safety and comfort throughout scanning using the patient monitoring system
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Train 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
• Affist 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

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in MRI technology.

Licenses/Certifications: Current registration as an MRI Technologist from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Skills: Proficiency in MRI equipment operation, knowledge of MRI protocols, ability to work independently and as part of a team, strong organizational skills, excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.