Research Imaging Technologist

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Radiology Research Operations, the Research Imaging Technologist works as part of a multidisciplinary team following established policies and procedures and is responsible for safely operating and training research personnel to acquire research images on various types of imaging equipment. Participates in the day-to-day technical activities of a wide range of animal and human imaging research projects being conducted in the Radiology Research Imaging Core. Responsibilities include assistance in the implementation of radiology Research Imaging protocols in collaboration with Principal Investigators, Research Assistants, Clinical Managers, Physicists, Applications Specialists and QA Specialists.  Facilitates imaging protocol development on human and animal scanners in accordance with IRB and IACUC approved protocols and imaging manuals.  Generates training documents to ensure accurate and consistent imaging acquisition and processing for longitudinal research results. Daily operational tasks may include scheduling exams in Epic and Research Percipio, monitoring data transfer to Research PACS, assigning images to Principal Investigators and team, and obtaining safety reads by radiologists. Working independently but under the general supervision of the Sr. Manager, maintains the infrastructure of the imaging laboratories across the campus; orders laboratory supplies, equipment, and services as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operates and trains research personnel to acquire human and animal images on various imaging modality scanners including:

  GE 3T MAGNUS and 3T Premier MRI

  Siemens 1.5T, 3T and 7T MRI

  Bruker micro-3T and micro-7T preclinical MRI

  Bruker micro-CT and Extreme II Optical scanners

• Demonstrates proficiency in MRI imaging equipment, techniques, and procedures for each scanner, all vendors and software platforms.
• Performs venipuncture following established departmental policies and procedures.
• Administers IV contrast agents via manual injection and power injector.
• Screens subjects for MRI safety and is responsible for subject and animal positioning, coil, and protocol selection.
• Controls access into the MRI environment for non-MRI personnel. Is responsible for maintaining a safe MRI environment. Confirms subject's name, date of birth, medical record number and MRI exam ordered for each subject.
• Prepares and cleans the equipment and scanner rooms for each subject and following animal imaging as needed.
• Stocks and orders supplies room as needed. 
• Performs daily quality assurance on MRI scanners and verifies the safe operation of all other equipment to be used.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of equipment malfunctions and needed repairs.
• Operates control console for each subject's scan including selection of proper imaging protocols to image the designated body part/s.
• Operates various peripheral hardware and software systems.  Enters subject data at start of examination and monitors data acquisition during procedure. Transfers subject images to PACs once exam is complete.  Alerts the radiologist of any urgent finding. Archives image data external hard drive when applicable.
• Transfers, positions, immobilizes, and instructs subjects in order to obtain the desired imaging study.
• Exercises sound independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative under pressure and in a variety of situations.
• Utilizes Radiology Information Systems (Percipio, Epic, PACS/Centricity) to schedule, arrive, complete, archive all subject and exam information.
• Maintains ethical standards (subject confidentiality, professional conduct, etc.).
• Delivers subject care within the scope of certification/training. 
• Maintains effective working relationships and communication with all departmental staff and other hospital personnel.
• Remains up to date on developments and trends in MR imaging techniques, procedures, and equipment.  Participates in educational programs and meets National and State requirements for continuing education credits.
• Demonstrates and instructs professional staff on imaging equipment operation and other technical aspects.
• Independently performs experimental procedures and acquires micro-MR and micro-CT and optical imaging data for multiple research protocols.
• Trains investigators on the use of micro-MRI, micro-CT and optical imaging scanners.
• In collaboration with investigators positions animals for imaging.
• Oversees the preclinical imaging data collection process and manages the laboratory's network of raw and processed imaging data. Coordinates data transfers with collaborators
• Maintains imaging labs infrastructure. Responsible for oversight and coordination of all imaging lab activities, including quality assurance, compliance with all hospital, DPH, IACUC, OLAW and local AAALAC regulations, and monitoring of safety procedures in the facility.
• Oversees and maintains proper levels of supplies for the Research Imaging division. Responsible for maintaining laboratory supplies, including O2, helium, isoflurane, and monitoring water chiller temperature, etc. Serves as emergency contact for small animal imaging labs, water chiller and O2 alarms.
• All other duties, as assigned.

• Must be a graduate of an approved school of Medical Imaging and be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or equivalent
• Advanced ARRT Certification in MRI is required - RT(MR) or equivalent
• 2-3 years' experience as a Radiologic Technologist preferred with at least one year in MRI.
• Undergraduate degree in science is required.
• Radiation Licensure in the state of MA preferred.
• Nuclear Medicine Certification Board (NMTCB) or ARRT (N) is a plus
• Rodent handling experience is an advantage.
• Experience with fluorescence optical imaging is a plus.
• Micro-PET/CT imaging experience is a plus
• A high degree of computer literacy is required.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with investigators, technologists, radiologists, physicists, to maintain a high-quality clinical and preclinical research programs, enforcing department policies and procedures, as well as to provide comfort and instruction to subjects.
• Must have interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with subjects who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Must have analytical abilities necessary to acquire and effectively utilize knowledge of magnetic resonance imaging techniques, methods, and knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy.
• Analytical skills necessary to collect quantitative and qualitative imaging data, conduct imaging procedures, maintain properly operating equipment, and resolve technical problems.
• Computer Skills such as power point and excel are required.
• Ability to travel to and from and between imaging sites within the campus as required.
• Awareness of hazards within the working environment (Magnetic Field, standard precautions, etc.), and adhere to safety standards established by BWH and regulatory agencies

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to magnetic fields and radio frequencies.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation from micro-CT, optical imaging and micro-PET/CT.
• Exposure to human and animal waste and other similar unpleasant elements.
• Periodic exposure to noise and cold equipment.
• Subject to frequent stressful situations.
• Frequent rotation through different locations within the campus, e.g., Hale BTM, Francis Street, 221 Longwood and One Brigham Circle.