Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Job ID: REQ20178212 • Posted Date: 08/04/2026

About the role

The polysomnography technologist performs and evaluates overnight polysomnograms and other sleep studies, operates sophisticated medical equipment to record sleep physiology, and ensures patient safety while applying recording devices, cleaning/disinfecting equipment, monitoring studies, recognizing sleep pathology, administering oxygen, CPAP, and ventilatory assist devices, and conducting special procedures such as MSLT, MWT, capnography, ambulatory monitoring, record review/scoring, and patient education. The role also includes technologist training, in-services, and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Review patient charts and physician orders; clarify unclear or inappropriate orders with ordering physician, medical director, or clinical director.
• Interview patients to assess medications, caffeine/alcohol intake, sleep patterns, and treatment requirements.
• Set up and calibrate equipment prior to patient arrival; explain procedures to patients.
• Prepare patients for prescribed procedures; apply and titrate CPAP and oxygen therapy based on physician orders and protocols.
• Recognize and record clinical and physiological events; correct equipment malfunctions; adjust patient environment and body position as needed.
• Respond appropriately to patient medical problems, especially cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory events, and seizures.
• Safely lift and move patients; ensure safety and welfare of all patients, including those with special needs.
• Check availability and function of emergency equipment.
• Remove electrodes and transducers; assist patients with hygiene as needed.
• Comply with Universal Infection Control Procedures; properly disinfect polysomnography equipment, electrodes, and transducers.
• Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs).
• Score polysomnograms, MSLTs, and MWTs according to current guidelines.
• Prepare summarization reports; maintain accurate, legible, and concise patient records.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Stay current on polysomnographic techniques and updates in sleep disorders.
• Attend staff meetings and case conferences as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience performing sleep studies (preferably in a hospital setting).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Associate's degree in a related field.
• Required licensure/certification (one of the following):
  • Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
  • Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) with the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM).
  • Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) with the Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists (RPSGT).
  Note: Current incumbents hired prior to December 18, 2019 must obtain and maintain certification by December 31, 2020 if not already certified.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association.

Skills

• Proficient in setting up, calibrating, and operating polysomnography equipment.
• Knowledge of normal cardiorespiratory, neurological, and sleep physiology.
• Ability to explain sleep study procedures to patients.
• Competent in patient preparation and application/titration of CPAP and oxygen therapy.
• Skilled in recognizing, recording, and responding to clinical and physiological events (e.g., arrhythmias, respiratory events, seizures).
• Able to correct equipment malfunctions and adjust patient positioning/environment.
• Experienced in conducting MSLTs, MWTs, capnography, ambulatory monitoring, and scoring polysomnograms per guidelines.
• Adept at preparing summarization reports and maintaining accurate patient records.
• Knowledge of infection control procedures and proper disinfection of equipment and supplies.
• Capable of safely lifting and moving patients while ensuring their safety.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities.

Pay

The hourly rate range for this position is $34.50 - $58.65.