Variable Hours Officer-PET Research Technologist

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 11/1/26
• Hours Per Week: 5
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $ / hr

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Under supervision, administers ionizing and nonionizing radiation to test, record images and obtain information for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research purposes as outlined in departmental manuals. This is a technical position. Incumbents in this generic title perform similar but not identical duties.

Responsibilities

• Reviews the patient's medical history and pending diagnostic, research, or treatment procedure. Review orders to ensure the appropriateness of exams and verify procedures including prescreening tasks. Escalates any discrepancies in requests, schedules, or patient information to appropriate department contact.
• Identifies, procures prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and imaging medications in accordance with department safety procedures and maintains appropriate related or research records as required by state and federal regulatory agencies. Performs tasks identified in the Radiation Safety Procedure Manual
• Performs quality control on radiopharmaceuticals and assays doses prior to administration. Verifies patient identification, physician orders, appropriate diagnoses, preparation and any possible contraindications prior to injection of radiopharmaceuticals. Reports any problems to the Chief Technologist or designee. Orders special radiopharmaceuticals as needed, assists in maintaining inventory of stock pharmaceuticals and supplies.
• Explains procedure and verifies preparation for diagnostic or research exam. Prepares and positions patients by selecting appropriate imaging protocol and obtains images by operating equipment, computer and peripheral devices. Checks related output for technical quality. Reports technical errors or problems to escalation contact. Continuously monitors patient for duration of exam. Ensures exams are charged and completed correctly, and timely.
• Performs a wide variety of Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography, attenuation, and reconstruction exams by following established protocol. Makes judgments for additional views by observing progress of the patient's study. Acquires IV access and administers IV contrast in accordance with exam protocols and guidelines as specified in Article 89, Section 89.40.
• Sustains high levels of competency in the care and treatment of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Responsible for efficient throughput and workflow, minimizing patient wait times. Communicates with patients about delays, escalates barriers to patient flow, and mitigates delays to care/service with follow-through. Works continuously to improve patient satisfaction scores. Participates in total quality management/continuous quality improvement programs
• Acquires and processes on computer and obtains output studies on film, videotape, magtape, etc. Responsible for carrying out functions with department and/or Radiology Computer System.
• Performs quality control on scanner/cameras and related equipment such as but not limited to dose calibrators radiation detection equipment, POCT meters, etc. and maintains related records. Recognizes image artifacts requiring imaging system correction and performs applicable and approved corrections. Reports all equipment problems to the appropriate escalation contact and initiates service calls. Assists with quality assurance studies and reports. Develops and revises, when necessary, imaging research procedures in accordance with applicable regulations and requested. Creates written protocols and scanning parameters when requested.
• Schedules patient appointments and verifies physician orders when necessary. Obtains written directives as specified by the Quality Management Program
• Maintains cleanliness of equipment and department work areas as per Article 28 guidelines, assists with supply inventory. Notifies department contact to reorder items promptly.
• Follows policies and procedures as they relate to all departmental activities. Follow Institutional Research Board protocols, comply with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and Food and Drug Administration standards. Maintains CITI Training.
• Competent to care for patients based upon the age groups treated.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Other

Physical/ Environmental Conditions

• Ability to work in surroundings with degree of dust, noise, odors, etc. without undue discomfort.
• Ability to hear, talk, walk, stand, bend and stretch.
• Ability to read, write and interpret documents.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time at desk to perform job functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and co-workers.
• May be exposed to mechanical/electrical/radiant/explosive/burn and chemical hazards.
• May be required to operate and clean equipment.
• May be required to handle reasonably heavy weights across distances.
• Must be trained in and knowledgeable of all Hospital policies and procedures pertaining to hazardous waste and hazardous materials and maintain qualifications applicable to assigned work.

OSHA

• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus three years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Licensure/ Certifications:

• New York State Department of Health Diagnostic Radiography License with contrast and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)(R)
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)(MR)

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in PET/CT, PET/CT Cardiology, human and animal research
• Previous experience in Computed Tomography

Other Requirements

Licensure/ Certifications:

• New York State Nuclear Medicine License from the Department of Health with contrast injection
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (N) or Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT (CT) or Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board CT (NMTCB (CT)) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)(R) if candidate does not have (ARRT)(CT).
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.