MRI Staff Imaging Physicist (Research Technician III)

Position Summary

This MRI Physicist (Research Technician III) in the SDSU MRI Center will work closely with the Center Director, Lab Manager, and the MRI Users to ensure continuity and stability of Center systems, install and implement newly available sequences, and facilitate successful user-initiated research.  The position will provide support and problem-solving services to clinical and research MRI projects utilizing the facility.  They will also monitor systems for critical errors and coordinate Siemens service visits as needed as well as maintain timely communication with users regarding errors, artifacts, technical issues, and scheduled upgrades.  The Research Technician III has the responsibility to implement applications of new imaging methods for the 3T MRI scanner and will design and oversee daily and weekly quality assurance programs.  They will establish new programs with focus on MRI quality control protocols as needed to conform to performance standards and will serve as a member of the MRI safety committee, oversee policies and procedures, address safety issues, and review the MRI safety program and will also assist in maintaining MRI-related equipment, e.g., stimulus presentation equipment.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with the anticipated end date of August 31, 2024 with a possibility of reappointment. This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.  

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The SDSU MRI Center is a research MRI facility hosting a 3T Siemens Prisma scanner in support of academic research across multiple departments (Psychology, Physics, Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Mechanical Engineering).  The majority of current users focus on brain imaging (functional, structural, diffusion, spectroscopy, etc.), but researchers in neurotechnology and exercise physiology also use the facility.

The College of Sciences includes eight academic departments, an additional eight degree-issuing programs, eight joint doctoral programs, seventeen research centers and institutes, fifteen Student Support Programs, numerous research groups, clinics and labs, as well as a number of off-campus instructional and research centers, including the Mount Laguna Observatory, Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, Sky Oaks Field Stations, Fortuna Mountain Research Reserve, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Coastal & Marine Institute. There are over 300 full- and part-time faculty and 100 clerical and technical employees. There are a wide variety of interests in both teaching and research. The Dean directs the College with the support of two Associate Deans, one Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, an Administrator I, and administrative support staff. The Dean's Office is responsible for all activities emanating from the creation, implementation, and provision for the continued support and future planning of the instructional and research process in the College.

For more information regarding the SDSU MRI Center, click here.

Education and Experience

Three years of progressively responsible technical research or statistical experience including or supplemented by one year in the interpretation and graphic presentation of data. 

Graduate study in the social sciences, economics, mathematics, statistics, public or business administration or engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. 

And

Education equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university. (Additional qualifying professional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Key Qualifications

• Ph.D. in an engineering, computer science, physical science or related scientific field such as Biomedical Engineering, Medical Biophysics, Electrical Engineering, or Physics is preferred.
• Experience with MRI and data analysis.
• MRI pulse sequence development knowledge on Siemens platform.
• Familiarity with Siemens Prisma.
• Evidence of strong analytical skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and research.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $8,664 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,789 - $8,664 per month. 

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on January 2, 2024.  To receive full consideration, apply by January 1, 2024.  The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tina Deesen at tdeesen@sdsu.edu