MRI Technician

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 

Axle is seeking a Mri Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) located in Baltimore, MD.

 

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

 

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.

Deliverables:

• ​Clean Equipment - Daily
• Run Validation - Daily
• Inspect Equipment - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to performing quality assurance on scanner, data acquisition and archiving of imaging data; perform different pulse sequence and activation paradigms; focus on reproducibility and quality assurance - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to acquainting participants with the MRI scanner; perform research related manipulations during MRI experiments. - Ad-Hoc

Work Details:

• Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria. 
• Ensure that everyone entering the scanner room is appropriately screened for MRI contraindications; maintain records of all MRI screening documentation. 
• Collect and archive MRI data. 
• Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality. 
• Operate the control console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

 

MRI Technology

 

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Completion of Accredited MRI Technology Program in Medical Imagery or related science field

Field of Study

• Medical Technologies Technicians
• Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions
• Medical Assisting Services

Software

• MS Office

Skills

• Operating an MRI scanner

 

Disclaimer:The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

 

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.