Echo Sonographer - San Diego State University Research Foundation

Overview

The salary range for this position is $42.00 - $44.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The South Bay Latino Research Center (SBLRC) seeks to promote and expedite research that improves cardiovascular disease outcomes in low-income Hispanic/Latinos living in the border region of San Diego. The SBLRC is considered the community-based clinical research field site within San Diego State University (SDSU) where research activities are conducted.   The SBLRC primarily focuses on epidemiologic, behavioral, and genetic research to improve the care being delivered to Hispanic/Latinos at risk for having cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

Housed within the SBLRC, the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multi-center, interdisciplinary epidemiological study of Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and other institutions, centers, and offices of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goals of the HCHS/SOL study include further exploration of the prevalence and development of chronic diseases in Hispanics/Latinos, the role of acculturation in health conditions, and to identify factors that play protective or harmful roles in health among Hispanics/Latinos. This longitudinal cohort study is intended to address a wide variety of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and diabetes, among others. The target population recruited from the South Bay area of San Diego County includes over 4,000 persons of Hispanic/Latino origin between the ages of 18-74.

Responsibilities

Under the direct and general supervision of the Clinic Operations Managers, Clinic Operations Coordinator, Project Director and Principal Investigators, the Ultrasound Technologist acquires echocardiograms and vascular ultrasounds per study protocol. Specifically, this position is knowledgeable in various modalities of ultrasound, including vascular ultrasound, transthoracic echo, stress (exercise and pharmacological) echo, 3D echo and echo strain.

• Perform accurate and quality diagnostic studies according to lab and research protocol
• Perform required number of tests per day
• Maintain appearance of ultrasonogram work area
• Maintain ultrasound mechanical and computing systems in proper working condition
• Maintains the inventory and supply management for the echocardiography research lab
• Undergo training by the echocardiography investigators for acquisition of all echo measurements required for the research study, both standard echocardiography and myocardial deformation imaging (strain)
• Obtain expertise and knowledge of the echo imaging research protocol
• Complete certification for performance of echocardiograms as per protocol
• Perform scans planned during the study period along with data transfer to the Reading Center
• Participate in the in-person training session during which they will perform live scanning demonstrations of image acquisition for the protocol.
• Complete all documentation required by the study Reading Center and other studies for echocardiograms completed.

Consult with cardiology specialists and site medical director on echocardiogram critical alerts. Perform quality control of ultrasound equipment; performs quality control checks on data collection. Handles alert findings and follows site’s protocol for reporting findings to study participants. Perform other study clinical measurements (i.e. Blood Pressure, etc.). Other duties are assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Special Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation of ultrasound systems
• Extensive knowledge of cardiac and vascular anatomy, physiology and pathology
• Knowledge and competency using Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Google Suite, etc., to create reports, and documents; attend and participate in meetings; communicate and share documents.
• Ability to operate diagnostic cardiac ultrasound equipment and perform precise calculations and measurements of the heart.
• Ability to perform study protocol and successfully transmit this data to the study Echo Reading Centers
• Ability to review study data, images and documents for data interpretation.
• Ability to recognize abnormal structure and have the ability to correlate this information into a useful study.
• Ability to uphold a high standard of research ethical practices, data security, confidentiality, HIPPA regulations, and human subject protections.
• Ability to complete study certification plan on the study protocol within 1-month of employment.
• Ability to adhere to the SBLRC Mandatory Cleaning, Sanitation and Decontamination Protocol.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with a variety of contacts and handle highly sensitive participant information.
• Ability to collaborate with representatives from academic institutions and other field centers.
• Ability to display flexibility and handle multiple work priorities and interruptions in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to display detail orientation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work mornings, afternoons, Saturday and Sundays as needed.
• Ability to travel out of state to participate in study protocol central training.
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures and to arrive to work on time.
• Ability to interact and communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participants, and study records.
• Ability to relate well to others within the project environment and interact effectively with coworkers.
• Ability to be organized, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to display sensitivity to ethnically and culturally diverse individuals, communities and organizations.

Required Experience & Education

• Graduation from a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
• A minimum of one (1) year of Sonographer experience
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS or RCS) Credentialing - must provide proof of credentials at the time of interview.
• *May require CPR or CPR/AED Certification depending on project specifications

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• B.A. in Biology or related field plus minimum of 2 years’ experience in Ultrasound or equivalent skills and experience
• Completion of CAAHEP certified cardiovascular sonography program required
• Must be BLS certified.
• Familiarity/experience with Philips ie33
• Previous experience working directly with the Hispanic/Latino communities
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Previous experience working in research setting

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.