MRI Researcher

Position Objective: Provide services as a MRI Researcher in support of the overall functions of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule maintenance and upgrade visits with MRI instrument vendors.

• Work with MRI instrument clinical scientists, RF coil developers and other vendors to test and troubleshoot new hardware and software for the MRI scanner.

• Serve as the point of contact for the MRI Facility Manager for issues relating to procurement, property management, upgrades, major maintenance, IT support and other goods and services needed to maintain the operation of the facility.

• Serve as the point of contact to create documentation for safety issues, including overseeing safety screening, collection of screening forms and reporting any incidents to the Clinical Unit Director and MRI Facility Manager.

• Implement imaging strategies that reduce scan time. Perform pre-scan preparations.

• Collect both functional and structural magnetic resonance images for recruited subjects.

• Operate the NIA MRI Scanner doing structural and functional imaging and MR spectroscopy studies, which are part of NIA clinical research studies. 1

• Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors to the NIA MRI Facility are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria (outlined in the NIA MRI safety checklist) before entering the magnet room; adhere to safety precautions and procedures that apply to the NIA MRI Facility. 2

• Transfer, position and instruct research participants and/or patients regarding the procedure to obtain the desired radiographic results as specified by the research study and its responsible investigators.

• Ensure the participant's or patient's safety and comfort throughout scanning using the patient monitoring system effectively.

• Evacuate participants, patients, staff and visitors in case of emergency; alert the appropriate hospital and NIA emergency response teams in case of emergency.

• Set up all MR-specific equipment, coils and display equipment for functional imaging.

• Operate the MRI console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition.

• Work with staff on scheduling NIA research participants for MRI scans to achieve a smooth flow and optimal utilization of the Facility. 4

• Maintain stock of all required supplies and materials; place orders for supplies and materials through appropriate channels.

• Ensure prompt and proper disposal of supplies and materials (including hazardous and infectious waste) per prescribed safety precautions and regulations.

• Work with staff on verifying invoices for services received by outside vendors. Coordinate MRI study participant schedule on a day to day and weekly basis. Serve as an emergency contact to provide consultation for any MRI facility issues.

• Work with investigators to reanalyze existing neuroimaging data. Maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases.

• Collaborate with NIA clinical and basic research scientists investigating age-related changes in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neuro-cognitive and other body systems 3

• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify appropriate personnel in case of malfunctions; schedule and/or perform routine equipment maintenance functions 5

• Work in conjunction with other clinical staff, research scientists and administrative staff in maintaining the smooth function of the facility.

• Standardize and maintain quality control of numerous procedures.

• Log all scans performed in the appropriate log book; enter participant/patient data at start of scanning and monitor data acquisition during scanning.

• Maintain monthly statistical data for MRI scans.

• Generate reports for the status of data collection and analyses, and manuscript preparation. Contribute to research papers; draft selected sections; edit and format manuscripts reference software. Prepare tables and figures for manuscripts and presentations.

• Participate in meetings, keep abreast of the latest techniques and pursue required training.

• Coordinate full time and PRN MRI Technologists; prepare schedule for shift coverage and vacations; conduct training for new and existing MRI research protocols.

• Work with post doc research fellows to assist development of new research protocols. Work with CRC's and clinical unit staff on scheduling MRI pilot protocol participants.

• Report research outcomes and make recommendations for future work.

• Organize and document findings of studies, procedures and/or changes so that future users will understand nuances or variances present in the experiment or in the data analysis.

• Standardize and maintain quality control of numerous procedures; integrate neuroimaging data with other datasets. Collect neuroimaging data; process the information for data input and analysis.

• Manage data from the collection phase through transfer and analysis. Work with investigators to reanalyze existing neuroimaging data.

• Maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases.

• Ensure the accuracy of data storage, efficiency of data transfer, backup and statistical analysis. Standardize and maintain quality control of numerous procedures.

• Coordinate formulation of multiple clinical protocols and manage and record same. Ensure secure integration of data into databases and analyses.

• Maintain, update and ensure accuracy of data files. Provide updates on projects and general data analysis.

• Perform post-processing steps to acquired images and data as specified by the study investigators.

• Ensure that scans that require clinical reading are being transferred to PACS; follow up with responsible radiologist to ensure that a signed radiology report is available within 48 hours; upload the signed radiology report to the PACS.

• Work with post bac researchers and post doc fellows in 31P data collection in the MRI suite.

• Provide guidance to junior research assistants performing the same studies.

• Train junior technicians and fellows in performance of neuropsychological testing during PET and fMRI scans and evolving neuroimaging techniques and data analysis procedures.

• Receive and provide proper sign-out from/to PRN technologists; perform appropriate checks when signing out or being signed out of the facility; in the sign-out process ensure the integrity of previously acquired data, hardware and other equipment, software and the physical environment of the Facility.

• Attend monthly clinical unit staff meetings to indicate MRI protocol progress/issues to Clinical Unit Director, Nurse Manager and CRC's.

• Work with Imaging staff to maintain and ensure accuracy, organization, processing, and analysis of Section neuroimaging and associated data.

• Operate the NIA 3T MRI scanner doing structural and functional imaging and MR spectroscopy studies, which are part of NIA clinical research studies.

• Collaborate with NIA clinical and basic research scientists investigating age-related changes in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neuro-cognitive and other body systems.

• Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors to the NIA 3T MRI Facility are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria (outlined in the NIA 3T MRI safety checklist) before entering the magnet room; adhere to safety precautions and procedures that apply to the NIA 3T MRI Facility.

• Transfer, position and instruct research participants and/or patients regarding the procedure to obtain the desired radiographic results as specified by the research study and its responsible investigators.

• Ensure the participant's or patient's safety and comfort throughout scanning using the patient monitoring system effectively.

• Evacuate participants, patients, staff and visitors in case of emergency; alert the appropriate hospital and NIA emergency response teams in case of emergency.

• Set up all MR-specific equipment, coils and display equipment for functional imaging.

• Operate the MRI console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition.

• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify appropriate personnel in case of malfunctions; schedule and/or perform routine equipment maintenance functions.

• 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.

• Transfer both raw and post-processed images and data to PACS and other specified databases and/or secure storage media (secure external hard drives and/or DVDs), where they can be stored safely.

• Ensure that scans that require clinical reading are being transferred to PACS; follow up with responsible radiologist to ensure that a signed radiology report is available within 48 hours; upload the signed radiology report to the PACS.

• Work with staff on scheduling NIA research participants for MRI scans to achieve a smooth flow and optimal utilization of the Facility.

• Receive and provide proper sign-out from/to PRN technologists; perform appropriate checks when signing out or being signed out of the facility; in the sign-out process ensure the integrity of previously acquired data, hardware and other equipment, software and the physical environment of the Facility.

• Maintain stock of all required supplies and materials; place orders for supplies and materials through appropriate channels.

• Ensure prompt and proper disposal of supplies and materials (including hazardous and infectious waste) per prescribed safety precautions and regulations.

• Participate in meetings, keep abreast of the latest techniques and pursue required training. Work with staff on verifying invoices for services received by outside vendors.

• Work in conjunction with other clinical staff, research scientists and administrative staff in maintaining the smooth function of the facility.

• Coordinate one full time and PRN MRI Technologists; prepare schedule for shift coverage and vacations; conduct training for new and existing MRI research protocols.

• Coordinate MRI study participant schedule on a day to day and weekly basis.

• Work with post doc research fellows to assist development of new research protocols. Work with CRC's and clinical unit staff on scheduling 3T pilot protocol participants.

• Maintain monthly statistical data for MRI scans.

• Attend monthly clinical unit staff meetings to indicate 3T MRI protocol progress/issues to Clinical Unit Director, Nurse Manager and CRC's.

• Work with post bac researchers and post doc fellows in 31P data collection in the MRI suite. Serve as an emergency contact for any 3T MRI facility issues.

• Schedule maintenance and upgrade visits with Philips and other service providers as well as with Harbor Hospital Facilities.

• Work with Philips clinical scientists, RF coil developers and other vendors to test and troubleshoot new hardware and software for the MRI scanner.

• Serve as the point of contact for the (acting) 3T MRI Facility Manager for issues relating to procurement, property management, upgrades, major maintenance, IT support and other goods and services needed to maintain the operation of the facility.

• Serve as the point of contact for safety issues, including overseeing safety screening, collection of screening forms and reporting any incidents to the Clinical Unit Director and (acting) 3T MRI Facility Manager.

• Work products and documents related to safety procedures, screens and emergencies.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to the status of all MR-specific equipment and matrix camera, coils and display equipment for functional imaging.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to equipment malfunctions and the steps taken to address them, scheduling and/or performing routine equipment maintenance functions.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to the logging scans in the appropriate log book.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to the state of raw and post-processed images and data and their transfer to PACS and other specified databases and/or secure storage media (secure external hard drives and/or DVDs).

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to the transfer to the PACS of scans that require clinical reading; follow-up with the radiologist to ensure that signed radiology reports are available within 48 hours; upload the signed radiology report to the PACS.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to sign-out from/to PRN technologists operating the scanner for clinical studies, including the status and integrity of previously acquired data, hardware and other equipment, software and physical environment of the Facility.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to providing support in creating and updating a schedule for the Facility. that integrates NIA research studies and clinical studies performed by Harbor Hospital technologists.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to maintaining stock of all required supplies and materials, and placement of orders for supplies and materials.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to advising MRI Technologists; provide consultations on scheduling; conduct training; notify MRI study participant scheduling on a day to day and weekly basis; assist development of new research protocols; schedule MRI pilot protocol participants.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to maintaining monthly statistical data for MRI scans; attend monthly clinical unit staff meetings; serve as an emergency contact to provide consultation for any MRI facility issues.

• Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to scheduling maintenance and upgrade visits with service providers; test and troubleshoot new hardware and software for the MRI scanner; serve as the point of contact to provide consultation for the MRI Facility Manager for issues relating to procurement, property management, upgrades, major maintenance, IT support and other goods and services.

• Ad-Hoc

• Clean Equipment

• Ad-Hoc

• Run Validation

• Ad-Hoc

• Inspect Equipment

• Ad-Hoc

• Meet with lab members to present updates

• Ad-Hoc

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Licensed MRI Technologist in the State of Maryland.

• Certification by the ARRT and licensed by the State of Maryland.

• Demonstrated experience with clinical trial management.

• Demonstrated experience working with special populations (children, adolescents, adult, elderly).

• Experience with patient care.

• Proficient in MS Office Suite.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.

• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

This position is contingent upon contract award.