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This position is ECB status – requires a minimum number of worked hours per month as needed by the department; limited benefit offerings.

Variable

Job Summary: The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist performs complex research procedures on patients and volunteers and participates in the design and evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques utilizing MR principles, especially functional MRI (fMRI). Also, responsible for patient and volunteer scheduling, quality assurance procedures on the scanner, data acquisition and archiving of new and processed imaging data; Is proficient in the analysis of functional imaging data and must be able to use different instruments (such as MR head coils and various stimulus delivery systems)developed by a range of manufacturers, each having distinct design capabilities and limitations in order to guide LIBR investigators and collaborators on the appropriate use of the MRIF/LIBR neuroimaging facility.

Minimum Education: Completion of an Accredited Radiologic Technology Program (ARRT)

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification: ARRT certification, ARRT MRI registry required; CPR certified

Work Experience: Two years of directly related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Specialized knowledge of the NMR theory and its applications to MRI/MRS is required. This includes a working knowledge of the effects of an external magnetic field on tissue protons, the use of radiofrequency fields to produce a magnetic resonance experiment, and the theory of operator controlled pulse radiofrequency experiments to generate signal suitable for image reconstruction. This will be required for optimizing the acquisition parameters in MR imaging. Knowledge of MRI safety procedures and regulations. Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry is essential in MRI/MRS since anatomy in three different planes is commonly depicted. The research technologist must be aware of imaging changes for any pathological states and utilize multiple plane data acquisition plus different and novel pulse sequences to detect all abnormalities and to adequately or accurately examine relevant pathophysiology, perfusion, and metabolic processes. Knowledge of effects of instrumentation, neurophysiological testing involved with development of fMRI research initiative in MRIF/LIBR. Knowledge of probe tuning, carrier frequency modulation, gradient magnetic field shimming and software integration of all adjustments is required. Knowledge of operation of an oscilloscope, and an understanding of waveform changes detected in continuous free induction decay signals. Knowledge of project officer’s responsibilities within the acquisition cycle and authorities among other individuals in this cycle. Knowledge to assist in all phases of the acquisition cycle especially areas requiring writing technical criteria as in a statement of work, evaluating technical proposals and providing technical expertise in monitoring performance of certain contracts. Skill and ability to make both oral and written presentations as well as the skill to teach new pulse sequence techniques and procedures to members of the MRIF/LIBR scientific staff and their collaborators. Knowledge of research methodology, statistical techniques, data analysis and computer programming for the design, implementation and evaluation of clinical research projects. Knowledge of neurophysiology, cerebral metabolism process, organ perfusion, blood flow and neuroanatomy relevant to the location, appearance and function of the various organs and tissues being examined, primarily human brain. Knowledge of MRI safety procedures and regulations, of proper procedure and safety precautions necessary to maintain proper nitrogen and helium levels in cryogenic magnet. Expertise in selecting and optimizing proper coils (i.e. surface, head and body coils). Knowledge of anatomy relative to attaching EKG leads to prevent burns. Knowledge of normal versus abnormal relaxation time and the selective use of operator controlled pulse sequences to obtain T1 or T2 dominant images. Knowledge of basic practices related to radiology such as cardiac arrest procedures, contrast reactions, use of oxygen to assist with breathing difficulties, and control and maintenance of IV lines. Knowledge of how to interpret examination requests accurately, recognize scans which illustrate research objectives and improve imaging techniques through proper control of contrast density, signal to noise, etc., to optimize their clarity for research use. Knowledge of how to recognize when additional or different positions are needed, for example, to fully illustrate the lesions or recognizing an unsuspected mass lesion on a head scan and performing non routine additional pulse sequences to fully illustrate it, recognizing when the region of interest or tissue has not been properly examined and changing patient position is required. This includes performing uniquely designed studies to improve the research results, or to detect motion artifacts and repeat research examinations when such artifacts exist. Basic knowledge of aspects of MR physics including the concepts of energy, electric power, and types of electrical circuits, construction and use of MR coils, monitor the equipment for proper operation, make changes to standard procedures to compensate for equipment aging, and determine when maintenance or repair is needed. Knowledge of computer operation including operation of teletype keyboard input (typing skill not required) and selection of various preset programs that are required to scan, view, transfer and print images, to operate equipment, implement manual override procedures (e.g., to finish a series of scans when external conditions would otherwise cause the imaging system to shut off), maintain records of subjects imaged, examinations obtained, and record permanent files of scans on optical disk, tape, and/or hard copy format. Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations and procedures in order to make purchases for the MRIF/LIBR. Specifically, knowledge is required regarding how to select appropriate sources for purchase, determine methods for purchase and select from among various contract types (i.e., purchase orders, sealed bidding and negotiated method of acquisition).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 1. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist performs complex research procedures on patients and volunteers and participates in the design and evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques utilizing MR principles, especially functional MRI (fMRI).Operate the MRI scanner, with responsibility to ensure that imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected is of the highest quality, and that results are reproducible. 2. Train, advise and supervise LIBR investigators, research staff, and students on the planning and execution of their research protocols, especially on the effective use of different pulse sequence and data acquisition parameters, selection of techniques and procedures which affect the research outcome, design and use of analytical techniques, and development of presentation materials. Play major role in on-going improvement of software and hardware, and design and incorporation of new techniques and tools. Serve as liaison with technical support staff in design and construction of surface coils and, and translating operating procedures into MR design solutions. Participate in diagnosis and resolution of hardware and software problems. Is proficient in the analysis of functional imaging data and must be able to use different instruments (such as MR head coils and various stimulus delivery systems)developed by a range of manufacturers, each having distinct design capabilities and limitations in order to guide LIBR investigators and collaborators on the appropriate use of the MRIF/LIBR neuroimaging facility. 3. Take responsibility for the MRI operational issues including scheduling of subjects, allocation of staff and volunteers, equipment, supplies, resolving problems, conducting routine maintenance and calibration of machine, and performing quality control assessments, data acquisition and archiving of new and processed imaging data. 4. Implement and enforce MRI safety procedures. Ensure that all human subject experiments are conducted in compliance with LIBR policies and regulations and with relevant The Joint Commission (TJC) regulations and standards. Act as a patient/volunteer advocate for subject safety and comfort. Prior to each scanning session the technologist verifies that subjects have provided written informed consent as documented by a valid IREB approved consent form, and that a screening form for pregnancy status and ferrous metals located within or attached to the subject’s body has been completed, signed by the subject, and signifies no contraindication for the subject to undergo MRI. Throughout each session the technologist works directly with placing subjects in the scanner, maintains presence with subjects throughout the scanning process, and monitors subject condition and cooperation and communicates status with attending principal investigators and medical personnel. 5. Plan and execute research projects, including collection of data, analysis and interpretation of fMRI data using analysis programs such as AFNI, creation of computerized data sets, creation of images and graphic depictions of research results, and presentation of results at scientific and technological meetings. 6. Play major role in on-going improvement of software and hardware, and design and incorporation of new techniques and tools. Serve as liaison with technical support staff in design and construction of surface coils and, and translating operating procedures into MR design solutions. Participate in diagnosis and resolution of hardware and software problems. 7. Develop and conduct education programs for patients, healthy volunteers, health care professionals, and LIBR scientific staff, technical support staff and students. Programs range from safety training to training in use of new hardware and software tools and techniques.

Decision Making: Independent judgment in planning sequence of operations and making minor decisions in a complex technical or professional field.

Working Relationship: Has input on performance evaluations but does not prepare or give Works directly with patients and/or customers. Works with internal customers via telephone or face to face interaction. Works with other healthcare professionals and staff.

Special Job Dimensions: None.

Supplemental Information: This document generally describes the essential functions of the job and the physical demands required to perform the job.  This compilation of essential functions and physical demands is not all inclusive nor does it prohibit the assignment of additional duties.

Laureate Institute for Brain Research - Laureate Campus

Location:

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136

Under the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Use and Patient Protection Act (OMMA), a safety sensitive position is defined as any job that includes tasks or duties that the employer believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others. This position has been identified as a safety sensitive position. This statute allows employers to lawfully refuse to hire applicants for safety-sensitive jobs or to discipline or discharge employees who work in safety-sensitive jobs if they test positive for marijuana, even if they have a valid license to use medical marijuana.

EOE Protected Veterans/Disability