MRI Technician

About The Department

The Department of Radiology includes more than 100 full‑time faculty members, clinical associates, advanced practice providers, and postdoctoral researchers. A tradition of excellence in patient care, basic, clinical, and translational sciences, combined with the strengths of one of the world’s top academic institutions provides the foundation for a robust career in the University of Chicago Medical System. The University of Chicago MRI Research Center is dedicated to supporting clinical and basic research studies that include MR imaging components.

The MRIRC houses two MRI scanners and employs experienced support staff. The MRI scanners sited at the MRIRC are a Philips Ach0T scanner and a Philips Ingenia 3.0T wide‑bore scanner. The scanners are equipped for neuro, body, cardiac, musculoskeletal imaging in adult and pediatric patients, as well as animal imaging. The scanners have the necessary equipment for clinical trials and functional MRI (fMRI).

The job provides technical support for clinical research laboratories. Works within defined processes and procedures to assist in specialty research potentially involving animals, MRI technologies, and histology. Completes work with a limited degree of supervision. The scope of practice includes family support, discharge planning, staff education, consultation, and research.

• Performs imaging in the MRI and holds competency in MRI procedures. Performs procedures according to set protocols established by radiologists or researchers.
• Review all requisitions to ensure correct exam(s) have been scheduled and allotted the proper time frame.
• Has knowledge of and utilizes appropriate care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, young and mature adults, and geriatric patients.
• Prepares contrast media, performs venipuncture, and administers contrast to patients under the direction of the physician.
• Review/evaluate completed exams for quality and proper format. Makes notation when images are to be repeated, and the proper technical factors needed for correction.
• Provides patient education prior to, during, and subsequent to the procedure to reduce patient anxiety and enhance patient comfort, providing optimal imaging.
• Reports and records all malfunctioning equipment to Imaging Manager and/ or Clinical Engineering appropriately.
• Appropriately utilizes imaging systems, accessories and patient positioning techniques to generate quality images.
• Ensure safety of patients and non‑radiology staff in and around the imaging scanner/equipment. Ensures that all regulatory compliance standards are met to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Participates in continuing education activities to maintain appropriate accreditation.
• Utilizes radiology information systems in accordance with current guidelines and protocols.
• Perform daily quality assurance (QA) scans to ensure the system is in good working order.
• Check to ensure that routine PMs (Preventive Maintenance) are performed as scheduled. Routinely checks equipment for damage and reports repairs as needed.
• Document all system errors and save raw image and raw data when necessary to help service personnel troubleshoot any problems with the systems.
• Assists with new staff training and orientation and serves as a conduit for communication when needed between the manager, staff, and facility users.
• Provides technical support for clinical research studies with limited supervision, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Follows established protocols to handle, process, and prepare research samples and specimens for testing; supports analysis and examination as needed.
• Supports laboratory quality and safety initiatives, including equipment inspections, temperature monitoring, and documentation of quality improvement efforts.
• Protects data integrity by controlling access to electronic files, rooms, and storage cabinets; works with leadership and staff to streamline proposal preparation, training, and project workflows.
• Contributes expertise in documenting research methods, including questionnaire development, data collection…