Clinical/Technical Specialist – Processing Services - Iowa Lions Eye Bank

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Clinical/Technical Specialist – Processing Services – Iowa Lions Eye Bank. The Clinical/Technical Specialist – Processing Services (PVA1; 4A) participates in, and carries out as directed, ongoing tissue preparation laboratory projects of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank (ILEB) Laboratory, including Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) graft preparation, Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) graft preparation, and long-term ocular tissue preservation. This position also assists with the inventory program, equipment management program, sterilization services, and assists in the evaluation and distribution of tissue as directed. All job functions are performed according to the standards set by Iowa Lions Eye Bank’s Standard Operating Procedures, the Food and Drug Administration’s Current Good Tissue Practices, and the Eye Bank Association of America’s Medical Standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be detail oriented with paper documentation and proficient in entering data into a variety of computer software programs
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy
• Availability to work a weekly schedule Sunday through Thursday

Nice To Haves

• At least 6 months of eye banking experience highly desirable
• At least 6 months of experience working in an aseptic/sterile environment
• At least 6 months of laboratory or healthcare experience
• At least 6 months of experience working in a highly regulated environment
• The ability to perform extremely delicate tasks both with and without the assistance of a binocular operating microscope

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue for transplant surgery: Evaluate tissue before and after processing, Prepare tissue using hand dissection or microkeratome technology, Package and distribute ocular tissue, Liaison with surgeons regarding processed graft properties
• Assist as needed in preparation of processed corneal grafts: Prepare processing environments for all types of corneal graft processing, Circulate for the tissue preparer during all types of processing procedures, Clean and sterilize equipment following processing procedures
• Quality Assurance: Collect and record data, Analyze data and recommend program modifications, Recommend and implement research projects, Collect and analyze data for tissue processing research projects according to protocols
• Assists with coordination in inventory control, supply and equipment management, including sterilization services, maintaining or exceeding the FDA’s CFR 1270 and 1271 Eye Bank Association of America’s Medical Standards: Track, stock/order and facilitate laboratory inventory control, Prepare single use tissue processing supply packs, Assist in the management all tissue processing equipment including regular cleaning and routine maintenance, Ensure that sterilization program meets end user needs, Participate in all aspects of Processing Services Quality Assurance
• Liaison with internal and external eye bank distribution personnel, surgical coordinators, and surgeons as needed: Assists in coordinating tissue receipt and distribution with other eye banks, Assists in coordinating tissue requirements, final properties and logistics with end user surgeons, Participates in local, regional or national projects as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level