MRI Technician

Axle • Rockville, MD

3d • 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 performing clinical and research MRI procedures and supporting human brain research using a 3T Siemens scanner. Work initially takes place in the evening, from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; weekend work may be introduced later if clinic operating hours change.

The technician operates MRI equipment for structural and functional imaging and MR spectroscopy, prepares and monitors participants, ensures MRI safety, and helps maintain high-quality imaging and associated behavioral and physiological data. The position also supports research protocols, quality assurance, data organization and archiving, scanner scheduling and maintenance coordination, and training for research staff and users. The technician works with senior personnel, including physicists, neuroscientists, and physicians.

Requirements

• AART certification.
• Interpersonal skills for extensive participant contact.
• Ability to operate a Siemens scanner for human research, including structural and functional MRI.
• Ability to perform MRI safety screening and follow safety precautions and procedures.
• Ability to collect, organize, archive, and maintain imaging and research data.
• Knowledge of the MS Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Screen everyone entering the scanner room for MRI contraindications and maintain screening records; verify that participants, patients, and visitors meet MRI safety requirements.
• Perform clinical and research MRI procedures, including structural and functional MRI, diffusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy, using a 3T Siemens scanner.
• Collect brain MRI, functional MRI, and MR spectroscopy data and monitor data acquisition during scans.
• Prepare, position, instruct, and acclimate participants and patients; monitor their comfort, cooperation, and physiological parameters throughout procedures.
• Operate the scanner console, select imaging sequences, and set up MRI-specific equipment, including coils, matrix camera, and display equipment; operate peripheral hardware as needed.
• Follow applicable NIH standards and regulations, MRI facility safety procedures, and study protocols.
• Perform regular quality assurance procedures on the scanner, instruments, data acquisition, and imaging-data archiving.
• Support research projects and evaluate imaging methods and techniques, focusing on reproducibility and quality assurance of pulse sequences and activation paradigms with an MR physicist.
• Organize, enter, and maintain participant and research data, computerized datasets, reports, spreadsheets, and scan logbooks.
• Archive imaging data, create redundant backups, and transfer images and data to PACS, designated databases, workstations, and secure storage media; ensure clinical images and study information are available for radiologist review.
• Maintain the MRI schedule and assist with scheduling investigators and participants to support efficient facility use.
• Train research fellows, NIDA employees, and other scanner users; track training and coordinate renewals.
• Advise staff about problems and provide guidance on scanning logistics, scheduling, and supplies.
• Keep the MRI suite and mock scanner room clean, orderly, and stocked; clean and inspect equipment.
• Coordinate non-routine scanner maintenance and provide input on unit modifications to improve image quality and efficient scanner use.
• Attend staff meetings to report MRI protocol progress and issues.
• Operate research equipment, including EEG, MRI, TMS, and tDCS, following training and supervision from senior PhD- or MD-level personnel.
• Perform study testing and observation duties and participate in research-related manipulations during MRI experiments.

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