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Purpose:
The York MRI Facility, Faculty of Health, with a research-dedicated Siemens MAGNETOM PrismaFit MRI scanner, is part of York's world-class Centre for Vision Research. Reporting to the Manager, Health, Safety & Facilities and under the functional direction of the York MRI Facility Director, the MRI Technologist and Health & Safety Officer will primarily perform the practical aspects of scanning within the facility. Specific daily tasks include operation of the MRI scanner and preparing participants for MRI scans. Responsibilities also include organizing and holding MRI Operating/Safety Training sessions and overseeing the practical training and certification of Level 1 MRI Users (supervised users) and Level 2 MRI Operators (independent operators). Other important tasks include building MRI protocols for new studies, investigating the use of new pulse sequences (e.g., Siemens 'Work in Progress' sequences), consulting on the design of MRI compatible equipment, collaborating with the MRI Facility Coordinator and dealing with incidental findings.
Education:
Completion of an advanced diploma in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and registration with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario is required.
Experience:
Seven (7) years recent related experience with MRI scanning and providing support to research design in an academic and/or research environment.
Skills:
As a specialized field, the education and experience requirement will ensure that the role possesses a solid level of expertise and intellectual services to contribute to and support an environment that enhances the excellence of research by effectively and efficiently operating the MRI scanner and associated technologies/equipment.
In order to develop MRI protocols and optimize imaging parameters for research studies, the MRI Technologist and Health & Safety Officer must have a thorough understanding of, and be comfortable with, how MRI equipment operates, along with other radiology equipment to provide the technical expertise in operation and configuration especially in a research environment. This includes understanding how to adjust radiation exposure time and intensity as these factors impact the experience of the participant and maximize image quality.
Insight and extensive skill set to implement new cutting-edge methods, being adept on how to interact and prepare participants for MRI scans as well as applying knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology (for both humans and animals), to deal with incidental findings and the principles of MRI safety. Self-motivation along with a strong sense of personal responsibility and decision-making skills are also required.
Effective operation of the MRI scanner is essential while utilizing communication and collaborative skills to interact with and strictly adhere to safety protocols in order to ensure the safety of each individual in the MRI environment.
The level of education along with the required years of experience will provide the MRI Technologist and Health & Safety Officer with the required skills to develop training materials/presentations, to organize and hold MRI Operating/Safety Training sessions and to confirm certification.
Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to deal courteously and effectively with a wide range of individuals.
Effective communication skills including the ability to request and provide information in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative.
Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Effective organizational skills.
Effectiveness in attending accurately to details.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
Ability to multi-task and work efficiently and successfully in a high-volume Environment.
Knowledge of MRI protocol development and types, new pulse sequences and stimulus presentation.
Understanding of research protocols including research design and methodologies.
Knowledge of relevant federal and provincial legislation on privacy and freedom of information, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Human Rights legislation.
Ability to administer Mac, Windows and Linux computers.
Currency with related external regulations and those mandated/required by the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario.
Additional Notes:
Operate the MRI scanner including constructing and assembling equipment for research while adhering to the safety procedures/guidelines of the MRI Facility and proper operation of the MRI scanner and other equipment.
Required to be aware of the stimulus program to ensure that it is running as expected and has not malfunctioned in the middle of a scan.
Required to lift the large loader shell and phantom on a weekly basis for maintenance scans and to move the spine coil on and off the MRI bed. As well, intermittently, required to assist participants (e.g., participants with Parkinson) onto and off the MRI bed.
Monitor and test the various control systems and perform troubleshooting when errors and artifacts are encountered before, during and following scans.
Prolonged visual concentration is required when monitoring the images produced from the scan, calibrating and testing the equipment/protocols and when monitoring the participant in the scanner to ensure that they are comfortable and stationary.
When a participant is in the MRI scanner, the role is required to be constantly attuned to the sounds the scanner produces during the scan and be immediately aware of any unexpected changes in sound as this could indicate hardware failure.
Outside of scanning periods, required to remain hypervigilant and extremely alert to any changes in the operation of the equipment to respond promptly. There are various oxygen and temperature level sensor systems that need to be monitored and listened to for alarms that note any change in these levels. A change in level, may cause severe and irreparable damage.
Exposed to a very high electrical current and therefore regular use of safety equipment is required.
Occasionally exposed to human and animal bodily fluids and waste.
Interact with students and faculty internal to the university as well as external users on a regular basis.
Communicate effectively with participants to ensure they are prepared for the scanning process and the experience by explaining procedures, obtaining a complete medical and completing MRI safety screening.
Develop, organize and lead safety training sessions ensuring that training is effectively conducted and evaluates and certifies users.
All users must be trained to follow precautions and SOPs to ensure safety and prevent physical harm. If the proper safety guidelines are not followed, the MRI magnet room could present dangerous and hazardous conditions. It is important that everyone working in or using the MRI Facility are aware of the safety risks associated with the MRI environment. Only those that have been trained and are fully aware of these risks are provided access to the MRI Facility.
Respond to questions regarding MRI compatible materials and provide technical support/advice.
PLEASE NOTE: This position is fully onsite with no hybrid work available.
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
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PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.