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
- Saturdays
- Rotational shifts
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.
