Clinical Research Sonographer (Echocardiography)

Job Family:

CT Technologist (Digital)

Travel Required:

None

Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:
We are currently searching for a Clinical Research Sonographer within the Echo Laboratory to support the research conducted by the Cardiovascular Branch (CB) within the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Division of Intramural Research (DIR) and will work under the general direction of a physician (director) within a unique clinical research environment as well as with clinicians.  This position provides technical services in the Echocardiography Clinical Program by performing complete transthoracic echocardiography examinations in the adult and pediatric populations in accordance with American Society of Echocardiography standards.  This is a full-time, on-site opportunity in Bethesda, MD.

• Perform cardiac measurements and preliminary exam interpretations

• Prepare written preliminary reports and communicate findings with cardiologists

• Perform clinical and research focused transthoracic exams, stress-echo examinations and assist with transesophageal examinations

• Prepare patients for diagnostic examinations

• Screen patients and staff for safety

• Manage patient comfort and anxiety during all phases

• Prepare patients and facility for sterile procedures

• Strictly adheres to all safety standards and protocols related to environment

• Submit images of technical quality

• Perform QA/QC procedures in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines and equipment manufacture, and in accordance with NHLBI Echocardiography Clinical Program Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines

• Maintain room cleanliness in accordance with NIH standards

• Room patients, manage patient flow and obtain pertinent patient medical information/data

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, anesthetists, technologists, imaging scientists, facilities staff, and veterinary staff

• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Will Need:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree and at least EIGHT (8) years of sonographic experience or an associate’s degree in a health science program plus TEN (10) years of sonographic experience in lieu of bachelor’s degree, at least one year of experience with pediatric and/or adult patients

• Must have a valid RDCS or RCS certification in good standing

• Must currently hold an active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

• Needs to obtain a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification (provided by NIH) within the first four months of employment

• Must be proficient knowledge of principles and practices of echocardiography and cardiac anatomy and physiology

• Must be able to provide on-call support for a one-week period, including weekends and holidays.  The actual on-call schedule may vary but is expected to be approximately once per month. 

• If the candidate is called back during their assigned on-call period, they will be expected to return to the clinic within 45 minutes of receiving a call

• Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Use customer service skills to positively impact the experience of care for our patients, external customers and internal service partners

• Communicate effectively

• Work effectively independently and within a team environment

• Maintain knowledge of a highly technical Imaging Center

• Apply written guidelines and standardized work practices

• Follow all procedures and protocols for assigned work area

• Should be able to perform the following activities (1) stand/sit for long periods of time, (2) some bending, stooping, and stretching, and (3) lifting patients to a maximum of 32 lbs. except in an emergency (i.e. patient falling)

• May lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.

• Navigate within an electronic medical record work environment

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and under pressure

The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other