**Position Objective:** The MRI Technician will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) within the National Institutes of Health. **Duties and Responsibilities:** + Perform regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments 3 + Train research staff and other staff on scanner operation 5 + Work with staff to design and modify research protocols; optimize MRIMRS protocols + Provide input on modifications of scanner to produce optimum image spectra and most efficient use of scanner + Ensure that studies are conducted in compliance with NIH standards and regulations 4 + Perform duties such as intravenous injection of MRI contrast agents and flushing vascular access devices according to the study + protocol; perform vein-puncture on infants, children and adults utilizing angiocaths, quickhatches and butterfly needles per physician orders for injection of contract media + Conduct MR Magnetic Resonance safety screening of human subjects 1 + Collect Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI brain images, functional MRI images and MR spectra Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy 2 + Collect and archive MRIMRS data + Collect Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI brain images, functional MRI images and MR spectra Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy + Perform regular quality assurance procedures on MRI scanner and instruments + Perform clinical and research MRI procedures on patients and animals, including standard clinical MRI scans or more specialized research studies + Set up all MRI-specific equipment and matrix camera, coils and display equipment for functional imaging + Operate the controls console during scanning, including selecting proper imaging sequence + Work in conjunction with other clinical staff, research scientists and administrative staff in maintaining the smooth function of the facility + Perform study testing, observations data entry and other duties associated with study sessions + Ensure that all human and animal experiments conducted follow applicable NIH standards and regulations + Collect, manages and analyze prepare data generated by experiments in laboratory animals + Transfer both raw and post-processed images and data to specified databases and/or secure storage media secure external hard drives and/or DVDs, where they can be stored safely + Log all scans performed in the appropriate log book + Enter participant patient data at start of scanning and monitor data acquisition during scanning + Perform post-processing steps to acquired images and data as specified by the study investigators + Create, enter and maintain research data on associated reports and spreadsheets + Ensure that MR imaging, behavioral and physiological data collected are of the highest quality + Maintain monthly statistical data for MRI scans + Collect and archive MRI data + Archive all image data and transfer of clinical images to the PACS system and the research data to off-line computer workstations; ensure that all study information is available in PACS and ready for radiologist review + Acts as subject/patient advocate, monitoring comfort and subject cooperation with experimental protocol physiological parameters (pulse rate, respiration, oxygen saturation), and length of time of research exams. + Ensure that all research participants, patients and visitors are free of metal objects and other exclusion criteria + Adhere to safety precautions and procedures that effect the MRI Facility + Ensure the participants or patients safety and comfort throughout scanning using the patient monitoring system + Ensure that everyone entering the scanner room is appropriately screened for MRI contraindications; maintain records of all MRI screening documentation + Operate the MRI scanner doing structural and functional imaging and MR spectroscopy studies, which are part of clinical research studies + Operate the controls console during scanning; select proper imaging sequences; operate peripheral hardware for effective image and data acquisition + Perform standard clinical and more specialized research MRI procedures on patients eg, functional MRI, diffusion MRI, MR spectroscopy, or animal scans + Schedules investigators' time on the scanner. + Assist in scheduling of research participants for MRI scans to achieve a smooth flow and optimal utilization of the Facility + Identify times when the scanner can be used for clinical studies + Create and update a schedule for the Facility that integrates research studies and clinical studies + Maintain MRI schedule + Monitor MRI study participant schedule on a day to day and weekly basis + Ensure that the scanner is used optimally on a daily basis; inform the researchers of any open the scanner slots and adjust the schedule to ensure efficient use of the scanner + Solves MRI related technical questions by designing and performing independent technical research