Pulmonary Function Technician

Axle • Bethesda, MD

3d • $110,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Axle is seeking a Pulmonary Function Technician to support the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. The technician performs pulmonary function and exercise testing to generate physiological data for research, working with adult and pediatric patients. The role includes monitoring patient responses, maintaining testing equipment, supporting quality assurance, and documenting clinical information.

The technician also supports laboratory operations by training personnel, contributing to procedures and quality improvements, analyzing research data, coordinating instrument scheduling, and helping plan laboratory resource needs. The position requires protecting confidential clinical and research information and maintaining relevant licensure and current knowledge of applicable clinical policies and technologies.

Deliverables include performing validation activities monthly, inspecting equipment as needed, and meeting weekly with laboratory members to present updates. The description notes that duties may extend beyond the listed responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biology.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) provider card and either an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) card.
• Demonstrated clinical skills in pulmonary function testing and working with adult and pediatric patients.
• Experience with quality assurance testing, data collection, and equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Perform pulmonary function testing, including lung-volume and airway-resistance measurements by body plethysmography, impulse oscillometry, methacholine bronchoprovocation testing, and exhaled nitric oxide measurements.
• Conduct cardiopulmonary exercise tests and six-minute walk tests, and collect arterial blood gases while supporting patient safety and comfort.
• Review testing orders and verify completion of pre-study administrative procedures.
• Monitor physiological responses during testing and therapy, consult a physician when adverse reactions occur, and provide first aid as needed.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures for pulmonary function and exercise testing.
• Set up, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot diagnostic instruments and testing systems.
• Perform equipment quality checks, work with technical support to resolve issues, and assist with developing and maintaining a comprehensive quality assurance database.
• Train staff, trainees, and other healthcare personnel in testing procedures and in operating laboratory instruments, equipment, and software.
• Document pertinent clinical information in patient electronic medical records and maintain accurate research and testing records.
• Analyze and interpret research data with laboratory staff and contribute to reports, presentations, posters, and manuscripts.
• Coordinate instrument scheduling and priorities with Principal Investigators and contribute to planning laboratory resource needs.
• Mentor coworkers, identify training needs, and contribute to quality improvements in laboratory and clinical workflows.
• Protect confidential clinical information and research data in accordance with applicable privacy and data-safeguarding requirements.
• Maintain necessary licensure and current knowledge of relevant clinical policies and technologies.
• Perform validation activities monthly.
• Inspect equipment as needed.
• Meet with laboratory members weekly to present updates.

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: Healthcare (FSA), Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK), Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP), and Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time