Research Scientist 4 - MRI, Nathan S. Kline Research Institute, P27763

Research Scientist 4

The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI) is a dedicated research facility of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) located on the grounds of Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, NY. NKI is affiliated with the New York University Langone Medical Center (NYULMC), located in midtown Manhattan.

The Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation (C-BIN) at the Nathan Kline Institute is seeking an MRI Technologist to join a collaborative, research-driven team. This individual will play a central role in supporting high-quality neuroimaging on our research MRI platform, contributing to scientific discovery, operational excellence, participant care, and the advancement of imaging capabilities across the Institute.

About the Position:
The MRI Technologist is responsible for conducting MRI scans for research studies, ensuring participant safety and comfort, and supporting the implementation, optimization, and execution of advanced neuroimaging protocols. Working closely with C-BIN investigators, this position helps maintain high operational standards, assists with study preparation and protocol execution, and contributes to workflow improvements and the integration of new imaging technologies.

The role involves hands-on operation of the MRI system, preparation of participants for scanning, equipment setup and verification, safety screening, QA/QC procedures, and support for methodological research activities. The technologist will engage with multidisciplinary teams (faculty, research scientists, students, and clinical collaborators) to enable high-quality data acquisition and advance the Center's research mission.

Duties: MRI Scanning and Study Support

• Operate the research MRI system to conduct high-quality brain imaging for research participants (volunteers and patients).
• Ensure participant safety, comfort, and proper positioning throughout imaging sessions.
• Prepare, set up, and verify all required equipment and study materials before each scan.
• Follow established research protocols and assist research teams with protocol implementation.

Protocol Implementation and Collaboration

• Collaborate with C-BIN researchers to optimize imaging sequences and study-specific protocols.
• Provide technical input on imaging parameters, study logistics, and best practices for high-quality data acquisition.
• Assist with troubleshooting imaging challenges and communicating technical considerations to research teams.

Equipment Operation and Technology Support

• Support routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks of MRI hardware (scanner, coils, phantoms, auxiliary systems).
• Assist in integrating new technologies or workflow enhancements (new coils, software updates, QA tools).

MRI Safety Training

• Train students and research staff on MRI safety screening, supervised scanner operation, and Center MR safety procedures.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

• Perform regular QA/QC scans (phantoms and sample data) to verify system performance and data integrity.
• Document and report scanner performance issues and support corrective action procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five years of professional research experience in an appropriate field.
• Substitutions: master's degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in an appropriate field (e.g., biomedical engineering, medical physics, neuroscience, or related), or equivalent combination of advanced training and substantial research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, modify, and test MR pulse sequences on a research MRI platform, with authoritative knowledge of MRI physics.
• Track record of independent contribution to imaging methods development, evidenced by publications, protocols, or comparable research products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical work within a multidisciplinary research team and to mentor or direct junior staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced MRI certification beyond minimum requirements (e.g., ARRT (MR), MRSO).
• Experience developing and optimizing advanced acquisition techniques (fMRI, MR spectroscopy, calibrated/quantitative imaging, multimodal protocols).
• Experience implementing QA/QC frameworks and integrating new hardware or sequence technology on a research scanner.
• Familiarity with PACS systems and research data pipeline.

Additional Comments:

• This position is eligible for a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000.
• Background checks will be required.