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.