Donor Eligibility Specialist - Iowa Lions Eye Bank

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100%25 Donor Eligibility Specialist – Iowa Lions Eye Bank. The Donor Eligibility Specialist (PVA1; 4A) supports the daily operations of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank laboratory by evaluating donor information and determining donor and tissue suitability in accordance with FDA and EBAA standards. This position conducts detailed donor chart reviews, performs microscopic tissue assessments, and coordinates with medical and transplant professionals to ensure accurate eligibility determinations. The role also assists with laboratory procedures, including aseptic technique tasks, equipment cleaning, and data entry to support tissue preparation and distribution. The Donor Eligibility Specialist participates in performance improvement activities, maintains regulatory compliance, and contributes to on‑call coverage to facilitate timely donation processes. Additionally, the position supports ASED preparation, inventory management, and other operational tasks as needed to ensure high-quality clinical services. University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of one (1) year medical related program experience
Ability to work on call after hours as needed including weekends and holidays.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required including, ability to compose communications and grammatically correct documents in a concise, logical and organized manner
Demonstrate careful attention to detail and accuracy, strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks quickly and effectively, proactively establish priorities and meet deadlines
Proficient in computer software applications (Microsoft Office Programs)

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 6 months’ experience with medical chart review
Minimum of 6 months’ experience within the transplant profession
Minimum of 6 months’ experience using aseptic technique in a laboratory/work setting
Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple high importance tasks with urgent deadlines
Experience working in a highly regulated environment
Valid U.S. driver’s license and eligibility to operate motor vehicles under University standards

Responsibilities

Review donor medical records and enter appropriate information into ILEB’s donor database
Perform microscopic evaluation of donor corneas/tissue
Determine suitability of tissue for surgical use
Liaison with healthcare/transplant professionals to facilitate the determination of donor eligibility
Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to unique donor situations
Participate in the performance improvement process
Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and regulations governing the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, including but not limited to those set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Good Tissue Practices (GTP’s), Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the medical direction of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank
Acts as part of a team to take after hour call shifts including weekends and holidays
Works directly with partner agencies and recovery personnel to maximize donation
Availability to respond emergently to the office
Assist in the evaluation and distribution of donor eye tissue
Assist with packaging/shipping of blood samples for serological testing
Assist with the packaging and distribution of tissue
Assist Processing Services staff as needed, including autoclaving instruments and performing data entry
Assist in tracking and stocking/ordering supplies in all ILEB locations
Assist in assembling supply kits for various procedures including procedures performed in the field and within ILEB’s laboratory
Assist with the cleaning of laboratory equipment
Receive patients’ blood and spin down sample
Dilute according to protocol
Coordinate distribution of prepared ASEDs to patient including direct distribution to patient at ILEB and the shipping of prepared ASEDs
Appropriately package and ship ASEDs to patients as needed
Assist with the scheduling of ASED procedures and ensuring appropriate ASED supply levels at all ASED draw locations
Act as liaison for external ASED preparations
Other duties as assigned