Principle Nuclear Medicine Technologist

San Francisco, CA

$175,000-225,000+ SIGNING BONUS + Full Benefits + Paid Relocation 

We are seeking a highly skilled and licensed Principal Nuclear Medicine Fusion Technologist (PET/CT Specialist) to join the cutting-edge Radiology department of a major academic medical center. This is a crucial role within a department that has been at the forefront of medical imaging innovation for over a century, performing more than 600,000 imaging procedures annually.

The successful candidate will be an expert in both Nuclear Medicine and Computed Tomography (CT), specializing in PET/CT fusion imaging. The technologist will perform routine to complex diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures, including advanced PET/CT exams utilizing radiopharmaceuticals, in both the inpatient and outpatient environments.

Core Clinical and Technical Responsibilities

• Imaging Procedures: Perform a full spectrum of Nuclear Medicine procedures and advanced PET/CT fusion imaging, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images.
• Radiopharmaceutical Handling: Precisely calculate, prepare, and administer radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with state and institutional radiation safety protocols.
• Safety and Quality Control:
  • Perform and document all necessary quality control and calibration procedures on Nuclear Medicine and CT equipment (e.g., dose calibrators, gamma cameras, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT systems).
  • Maintain strict adherence to the State of California Radiologic Health Branch licensure requirements and department radiation safety policies.
• Patient Care: Safely and effectively manage patients in an acute care setting, including interaction with patients under anesthesia or requiring complex monitoring. Ensure patient comfort, screening, and education prior to and during procedures.
• Data Management: Collect, prepare, and analyze biologic specimens and accurately process image data for interpretation by faculty physicians.
• Flexibility and Coverage: Must be able to work an 8-hour variable shift, rotate locations, and provide coverage for weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

The Principal level is expected to take on significant leadership, education, and quality improvement roles:

• Lead/Coordinator Role: Demonstrate competency and actively participate in a lead or coordinator capacity, overseeing daily operations or specialized service lines.
• Education and Mentorship:
  • Teaching: Demonstrate competency to teach routine and specialty exams to newer NM Technologists, students, residents, and faculty.
  • Mentorship: Provide guidance, advice, and direction to less experienced Technologists.
• Quality & Research Participation:
  • Active participation in an annual performance improvement project or active participation in NM Quality Assurance/Radiation Safety meetings.
  • Active participation in clinical protocol development, maintenance, improvement, and implementation.
  • Active participation in research protocol development, maintenance, and implementation, supporting the institution's commitment to advancing medical knowledge.

Requirements

Specific PET/CT Expertise 

The Principal Technologist must be able to perform all routine clinical PET/CT exams and independently demonstrate expertise in instructing and performing at least three (3) of the following advanced specialty PET/CT procedures:

1. PET/CT with Multiphase CT: Complex dynamic CT imaging combined with PET.
2. Pediatric PET/CT: Specialized imaging protocols for pediatric patients.
3. Cardiac PET: Myocardial viability and perfusion studies.
4. Neuro PET: Detailed brain imaging protocols for neurology and psychiatric applications.
5. Research Protocols: Executing novel, non-standardized research imaging protocols.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:

• NM Certification: NMTCB or ARRT (N).
• CA License: CA state license – CA Department of Public Health, Certified Technologist, Nuclear Medicine.
• Post-Primary CT Certification: Post-primary certification in Computed Tomography (CT) - ARRT (CT) or NMTCB (CT).
• Life Support: BLS (CPR) Certification

Ideal Candidate Profile

The most successful candidates will possess 7 or more years of experience and thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative academic medical center environment. Experience working with both adult and pediatric populations is highly desired. Key behavioral attributes sought include: excellent communication, strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, problem-solving ability, and a dedication to teamwork.

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