Principal Nuclear Medicine Fusion Technologist (PET / CT)

Principal Nuclear Medicine Fusion Technologist (PET / CT)

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.

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 :

PET / CT with Multiphase CT : Complex dynamic CT imaging combined with PET.

Pediatric PET / CT : Specialized imaging protocols for pediatric patients.

Cardiac PET : Myocardial viability and perfusion studies.

Neuro PET : Detailed brain imaging protocols for neurology and psychiatric applications.

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.