Bio-Engineering Research Technician

Intermountain Health

1d • $19 - $26 • Hybrid

About The Position

Provide Engineering and Research Support for the Intermountain Heart Institute Artificial Heart Program (AHP). This role involves assisting with equipment setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs). The technician will also prepare pumps for implantation, adjust pump parameters based on cardiovascular physiology, and communicate with medical staff regarding pump function and patient hemodynamics. Responsibilities include preparing for hospital-based trainings, analyzing explanted pumps, performing NIH stroke assessments, and interfacing with industry engineers. The role also entails organizing equipment returns, developing and maintaining databases for internal and regulatory use, and assisting with quality control data collection and analysis. A strong understanding of both clinical and technical aspects of circulatory support devices is necessary to diagnose problems through alarm codes and conditions. The technician will maintain knowledge of all implantable and temporary devices used by AHP, field technical questions, assist in investigating adverse events, and collect patient data for long-term follow-up. Additionally, the role supports specific field development projects and contributes to original research, abstract, and manuscript preparation and submission.

Requirements

• Completion of at least 2 years toward a 4 year degree in Biomechanical/Biomedical-engineering (education will be verified).
• Experience with and working knowledge of computer applications.
• Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, monitors, etc. and to see to identify equipment and supplies and to utilize a wide variety of information including organizing and completing documentation and forms, accessing and entering computer information, and identifying needs and urgent issues.
• Frequent interactions with patient care providers, patients, and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient interactions, accessing needed information, operating telephones and other office equipment, including manipulating paper - requiring the ability to move fingers and hands.
• Expected to bend, lift, and carry patient files, documents, equipment, and supplies.
• Remain sitting or standing for long periods of time while interacting with others or to perform work on a computer, telephone, or other equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with original research and scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Assists with setting up equipment, switch-out, transport and troubleshooting when necessary both in the hospital and at the patient's home.
• Conducts Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) battery issuance, testing and education.
• Prepares all pumps and scrubs in for implantation and startup.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of cardiovascular physiology for adjusting pump parameters.
• Performs essential communication with implanting surgeon / cardiologist regarding pump function and patient hemodynamics.
• Assists with hospital based trainings, and re-certifications.
• Performs explanted pump analyses.
• Performs NIH stroke assessments.
• Interfaces with industry engineers and clinicians regarding technical concerns.
• Organizes handling of equipment/pump returns.
• Develops and maintains internal and regulatory databases, and assists with quality control data collection, management, and analysis.
• Understands both clinical and technical aspects of circulatory support devices to diagnose problems through alarm codes and conditions.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all implantable and temporary devices used by AHP.
• Fields technical questions and assists in investigation of adverse events and alarm conditions.
• Collects patient data for long-term follow-up.
• Assists with specific projects for field development.
• Works on original research, abstract and manuscript preparation / submission.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.
• 100+ learning options to choose from, including undergraduate studies, high school diplomas, and professional skills and certificates.
• Up-front tuition coverage paid directly to the academic institution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree