MRI Technician

Axle • Rockville, MD

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Axle is seeking an MRI Technician to support the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Baltimore, Maryland. The role provides operational and research support, including conducting clinical and research MRI procedures and delivering work products related to research procedures, participant testing, data management, equipment inspection, and cleaning. The initial schedule is evenings from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; work may eventually include weekends if clinic operating hours change.

The technician operates a 3T Siemens MRI scanner for human brain research, including structural and functional MRI, diffusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy. The role supports research protocols and quality assurance, safeguards participant comfort and safety, maintains scanner and study documentation, and manages acquisition, organization, transfer, and archiving of imaging and related data. The technician also supports scanner scheduling, training, maintenance coordination, and the smooth operation of the MRI suite and mock scanner room.

Requirements

• AART certification.
• Interpersonal skills for extensive contact with research participants.
• Ability to operate an MRI scanner and perform clinical and research MRI procedures, as described in the position duties.
• Ability to use the MS Office suite.
• Field of study: Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions.

Responsibilities

• Screen everyone entering the scanner room for MRI contraindications and maintain screening documentation.
• Ensure participants, patients, and visitors are free of metal objects and meet MRI safety requirements.
• Prepare, position, instruct, and monitor research participants and patients during MRI procedures, advocating for their safety and comfort.
• Perform standard clinical and specialized research MRI procedures, including structural, functional, diffusion, and spectroscopy studies.
• Operate the 3T Siemens scanner and control console; select imaging sequences and use peripheral hardware for image and data acquisition.
• Set up MRI equipment, including the matrix camera, coils, and display equipment for functional imaging.
• Collect MRI brain images, functional MRI images, MR spectra, and associated behavioral and physiological data; monitor data quality and acquisition.
• Conduct research procedures and support evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques, including MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
• Support research projects focused on reproducibility and quality assurance of pulse sequences and activation paradigms, with assistance from an MR physicist.
• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on the scanner, instruments, data acquisition, and data archiving.
• Create, enter, maintain, and organize research data, reports, spreadsheets, and computerized data sets.
• Archive imaging data, create redundant backups, and transfer clinical images to PACS and research data to designated databases, workstations, or secure storage media.
• Log scans and ensure study information is available in PACS for radiologist review.
• Maintain the MRI schedule and assist with coordinating investigator time and participant appointments to support efficient facility use.
• Maintain research protocol documentation and operations; attend staff meetings to report protocol progress and issues.
• Assist in training research fellows, NIDA employees, and other scanner users; track training and coordinate renewals.
• Advise staff about problems requiring attention and provide guidance on scanning logistics, scheduling, and supplies.
• Keep the MRI suite and mock scanner room clean, orderly, and appropriately stocked; inspect and clean equipment.
• Follow MRI facility safety procedures and applicable NIH standards and regulations for human experiments.
• Coordinate non-routine scanner maintenance and provide input on equipment or unit modifications to optimize imaging and scanner use.
• Resolve MRI-related technical questions by designing and performing independent technical research work.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) match up to 5%.
• Educational benefits for career growth.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Flexible spending accounts, including healthcare FSA, parking reimbursement account, dependent care assistance program, and transportation reimbursement account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed