Pulmonary Function Technician

Axle • Bethesda, MD

3d • $110,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pulmonary Function Technician will perform pulmonary function and exercise testing to generate physiological data for NHLBI research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The role supports adult and pediatric patients and includes monitoring patient responses, maintaining testing equipment, supporting quality assurance, and documenting clinical information. The technician will also contribute to research data analysis, laboratory training, workflow improvements, and coordination of instrument and laboratory resources.

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 in 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 for 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, and meet weekly with laboratory members 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 for healthcare (FSA), parking reimbursement (PRK), dependent care (DCAP), and transportation reimbursement (TRN).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time