Tissue Procurement Trainer

CENTER FOR ORGAN RECOVERY AND EDUCA•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The position of Tissue Procurement Trainer for the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of significant responsibilities. The Tissue Procurement Trainer reports to the Director, Tissue Procurement Operations. The Tissue Procurement Trainer is a hands-on clinical leader responsible for supporting CORE’s mission through direct participation in tissue and ocular recovery and by providing real-time training, coaching, and mentorship to Tissue Recovery Coordinators (TRCs). This role works primarily in the operating room, guiding staff through proper aseptic technique, donor prep, recovery procedures, and documentation standards. The Tissue Procurement Trainer serves as Tissue On-Call (TOC) a minimum of four days per month and independently determines donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery following CORE Policy & Procedure, AATB, EBAA, and FDA current Good Tissue Practices. This role participates in staff development, contributes to hiring and performance evaluation recommendations, delivers continuing education, and supports standardization of training across Tissue Procurement Operations. They must obtain CTBS certification within two year of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.

Requirements

Solid background in the field of tissue recovery.
Strong understanding of organ perfusion.
Two years of experience in tissue recovery.
Two years of experience in organ perfusion.
Minimum of two years of experience with aseptic technique.
Demonstrate a true commitment to the donation program.
Demonstrate the ability to teach, coach, and provide constructive feedback in a professional manner.
Demonstrate strong decision-making skills under pressure with consistent exercise of independent judgment.
Ability to successfully interact with all personality types.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented.
Ability to coordinate multiple on-going activities while managing day-to-day expectations.
Demonstrate professional commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Physical stamina to work long, unpredictable hours, including nights and weekends.
Flexible to work in unpredictable situations.
Able to lift sixty (60) pounds.
Valid PA state driver’s license.
Good manual dexterity and visual acuity.
Must obtain CTBS certification within two year of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
Responsible for providing supervisory knowledge and consistently exercises discretion and judgment.
Will be responsible for the recovery of tissues, corneas, and research from post-mortem donors within the CORE DSA.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, prior experience in an OPO or management experience may supplement the education level.

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on training and clinical guidance to Tissue Recovery Coordinators during active donor recovery cases in the operating room, morgue, and affiliated facilities.
Serve as a primary resource for aseptic technique, donor preparation, surgical instrumentation, documentation accuracy, and adherence to FDA current Good Tissue Practices.
Lead recovery operations during assigned shifts by ensuring case readiness, effective communication, appropriate staffing, and high-quality donor management.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in AATB, FDA cGTP, EBAA, and CORE policies related to tissue, ocular, research, and organ recovery.
Provide input into the selection, hiring, and development of new employees, and participate in internal audits, corrective action follow-up, and quality improvement initiatives.
Support preceptor development and ensure a standardized, competency-based approach to training across all recovery staff.
Maintain active membership in a professional organization and remain current with CTBS certification.
Serve as a positive role model by consistently reinforcing CORE’s mission, values, and professional standards.
Independently determine donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery using sound clinical judgment.
Review DRAIs, laboratory results, medical and social history, hemodilution, autopsy clearance, and applicable regulatory criteria to support eligibility decisions.
Assign staff appropriately to case activity while maintaining timely and effective communication with hospital partners, staff, leadership, and tissue processors while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely documentation by all assigned recovery staff.
Educate and provide training to Tissue Recovery Coordinators on procedures related to the recovery of tissue, corneas, and research from post-mortem donors.
Responsible for the post-mortem care of CORE organ, tissue, and ocular donors.