MRI Technologist

Responsibilities:

• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on the scanner, data acquisition and archiving of imaging data
• Operate 3T Siemens scanner for human brain research utilizing MR spectroscopy,structural and functional MRI
• Operate 3T Siemens scanner for animal research studies
• Ensure that all human and animal experiments conducted follow applicable NIH standards and regulations
• Act as a participant advocate for participant safety and comfort
• Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality
• Execute research projects focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of different pulse sequence and activation paradigms with the assistance of an MR physicist
• Assist in training research fellows and other NIDA employees to perform MR studies
• Advise staff on any problems that may need attention as well as provide guidance and ensure that scanning logistics,
• scheduling and supplies are taken care of in a timely fashion
• Ensure that the MRI suite and mock scanner room are clean, in order and appropriately stocked with supplies to provide a clean environment for participants
• Participate in developing and maintaining research protocol documentation and operations
• Educate participants on research protocols
• Train participants on cognitive tasks specific to protocols
• Operate various research equipment following the training by and supervision of senior PhDMD level personnel
• Physicists, neuroscientists, physicians including, but not limited to EEG, MRI, TMS, tDCS
• Maintain MRI schedule
• Perform research procedures on research participants and participate in the evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS
• Create multiple redundant backups of all imaging data acquired, including past (historic) studies.
• 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 regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments.
• Perform clinical and research MRI procedures on patients and animals, including standard clinical MRI scans or more specialized research studies.
• Set up all MRI-specific equipment and matrix camera, coils and display equipment for functional imaging.
• Operate the control 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collect and archive MRI data.
• 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.
• Act as PACS administrator from creating new projects and subjects as required and correcting errors in the PACS database.
• Upload non-imaging data into PACS database.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Act as the MR safety officer determining eligibility for participants
• 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 3T Siemens scanner for animal research studies.
• Operate the control console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition.
• 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.
• Create and update a schedule for the Facility that integrates research studies and clinical studies.
• Maintain MRI schedule.
• Oversee 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.
• Develop and maintain research protocol documentation and operations.
• 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.
• Participate in the design and evaluation of new imaging methodologies and techniques.
• Search for ways to optimize scanning protocols used by investigators.
• Trains 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.
• Train new researchers and technologists how to operate the MRI scanner safely and efficiently; maintain current familiarity of any updates to the MR instrumentation and software.
• Track all training and coordinate renewal of training. Including CPR/BLS.
• 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.
• Function as an expert regarding the software and hardware capabilities of the MR scanner.
• Provide expert level information and assistance on the software and hardware capabilities of the MR.
• 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.
• Assist 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.
• Schedule and/or perform routine equipment maintenance functions.
• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on the scanner, data acquisition and archiving of imaging data.
• Provide input to decide what modifications of the unit are necessary to produce optimum image spectra and most efficient use of the scanner.
• Function as an expert regarding the software and hardware capabilities of the MR scanner.
• Schedule and coordinate all non-routine scanner maintenance.