PET/CT Technologist in Bethesda, MD

Description

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Within Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., the Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), various clinical support teams provide high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). CRD's support services are strategically aligned with the program's mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CRD services include comprehensive clinical trials monitoring, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and blood diseases and conditions; parasitic infections; rheumatic and inflammatory diseases; and rare and neglected diseases.  CRD's collaborative approach to clinical research and the expertise and dedication of staff to the continuation and success of the program's mission has contributed to improving the overall standards of public health on a global scale.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate (CMRPD) provides imaging services to the Molecular Imaging Program (MIP), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI).

• Perform CT including administration of oral and intravenous contrast via a mechanical pump injector
• Perform dosimetry and modeling of PET data as appropriate, including pharmacokinetics
• Perform non-standard PET imaging in accordance with the specialized protocols developed for this purpose
• Draw, calibrate, and administer radioisotopes to patients
• Obtain blood samples manually or with automated equipment for radioactivity and biochemistry analyses
• Recognize changes in specific patient situations (e.g., inability to remain in scanner, need to obtain images from non-standard levels) that require modification of standard operating procedures in order to obtain adequate PET studies with data that yield useful information
• Participate in the design and evaluation of new imaging methods and techniques
• Develop and implement quality assurance and evaluation programs for applicable equipment to ensure high quality images
• Participate in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques
• Participate in the design and interpretation of research projects and manuscript preparation
• Anticipate, assess, and respond effectively to the needs of diverse customers both internal and external, making excellent customer service the first priority
• Ensure patient safety and comfort while the patient is under study within the department
• Assist in the maintenance of a professional atmosphere and approach in the management of patients
• Evaluate and report the performance of equipment and acceptance testing of new equipment in a timely manner
• Follow all radiation safety procedures, departmental policies and procedures, and practice Universal Precautions
• Maintain departmental competencies
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge of new and developing technologies and regulatory issues to support clinical and administrative decision-makers
• Participate in research, both in writing and in presentations
• Operate and perform routine maintenance for ancillary PET equipment, including automated blood sampling systems, computerized gamma well counters, infusion pumps, blood gas machine, and electronic balance
• Provide in-service training to staff and physicians, as necessary, to ensure high quality images, a radiation safe environment, and compliance with regulatory standards
• Provide medical expertise in image optimization, quality assurance, input into experimental design, PET data analysis and training in support of clinical research activities
• Provide oversight and evaluation of daily and periodic quality control procedures
• Provide quality service in all endeavors by supporting initiatives designed to improve individual and organizational performance
• Provide support for implementation of new acquisition and reconstruction protocols
• Order and maintain the necessary supplies for clinical use as required
• Verify that required administrative procedures for patients (e.g., consent forms, radio pharmacy prescriptions) have been followed prior to each study
• Optimize imaging parameters for novel PET agents
• Monitors and assists patients before, during and after the examination
• Provides first aid and/or CPR to patient when necessary
• Reconstructs images, archives and transfers information to the PACS system
• Completes appropriate orders in the RIS in a timely manner, ensuring proper order entry to include correcting orders in CRIS and/or RIS
• Provides significant input into the design of new research protocols, particularly the allocation of equipment, sufficiency of equipment and computer software and the impact of new methods on other protocols and techniques, as well as recommends techniques for streamlining and improving clinical and research methods
• Operates imaging and other related equipment according to manufacturers' specifications
• Performs quality control and records as applicable
• Provides quality care to patients of varying categories, i.e., pediatric, geriatric and adolescent
• Performs select nursing duties which include injecting with contrast enhancing agents and flushing vascular access devices (VAD), i.e., Hickman, Groshong, triple lumen, PICC lines and ports, with appropriate anticoagulants
• Performs venipuncture
• Train staff on quality assurance
• Duties are primarily performed independently; however, concerns or adverse events are brought to attention for review/analysis and a plan of action
• Performs PET scanning on experimental animals as needed
• Receives, measures and administers therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals as needed
• This position is located in Bethesda, Maryland

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a High School Degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience
  • Including two (2) years PET experience working with and on human subject
• Must possess a formal education in Nuclear Medicine from a professional program approved by a legally designated State accrediting agency at the time the program was completed
• Must possess current state licensure, CRT and CPR certifications
• A Radiation Technology Nuclear Medicine certification is preferred
• Ability to engage in proper safety, emergency preparedness, and infection control practice
• Must be able to demonstrate and/or describe how to respond to an emergency involving a life-threatening medical condition, security incident, failure of a critical building utility, fire or other hazardous materials incident
• Must have working knowledge of proper universal precautions and appropriate measures for preventing the spread of infection
• Communicates and interacts effectively with patients, their families, and other external and internal customers (including fellow employees) from diverse backgrounds
• Possesses knowledge of State-of-the art CT techniques and is capable of performing a diagnostic CT scan as needed
• Working knowledge of MRI safety policies, and the equipment sufficient to monitor and determine when maintenance is needed
• Knowledge of basic nursing practices related to imaging such as emergency treatment of cardiac arrest, use of oxygen and maintenance of an intravenous line
• Knowledge of medical terminology, computers, and basic statistics
• Understanding of HIPPA patient confidentiality/privacy standards
• Knowledge of physical abnormalities associated with most diseases is necessary to recognize when additional imaging is warranted and to consider optional, additional MR sequences
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• PET CT and RTMR certified is a plus

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations