Tissue Transplant Specialist

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

11d

About The Position

Works under general supervision to independently perform complex technical aspects of human tissue recovery, evaluation, and processing in accordance with the policies and procedures of Transplant Services Center and the standards of the American Association of Tissue Banks and the Eye Bank Association of America. Performs all steps of recovery of eyes/corneas, skin, bone/connective tissue, and cardiovascular tissue. Steps include donor preparation, aseptic surgical recovery of tissue, packaging and labeling of tissues, storage of tissues and preparation of tissues for shipment to tissue processors

Requirements

• Completion of two years of college to include at least six (6) hours in basic science.
• High School Diploma and completion of accredited LVN, ORT, Mortician, or MLT program
• 1 year experience as a Tissue Transplant Technician or equivalent

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in basic science with emphasis in biology or chemistry, nursing, medical technology, physical therapy, or related field

Responsibilities

• Performs all steps of recovery of eyes/corneas, skin, bone/connective tissue, and cardiovascular tissue. Steps include donor preparation, aseptic surgical recovery of tissue, packaging and labeling of tissues, storage of tissues and preparation of tissues for shipment to tissue processors.
• May evaluate and determine suitability of donors for eye and tissue recovery based on review of donor screening information including referral information, donor risk assessment interview, medical chart review, and physical assessment of body.
• May function as a team lead for tissue recovery which includes performing the following functions: Provides working supervision of members of the recovery team; Performs screening of potential donors with tissue processors; Determines timing and location of recovery; Coordinates with personnel of external facilities (medical examiners, hospitals, organ procurement organizations (OPO), funeral homes, transportation companies, etc.) Ensures needed supplies and equipment are available and appropriate for use; Determines suitability of recovery site and ensures that pre- and post-recovery cleaning is completed; Ensures that blood sample and/or tissue samples are obtained for testing; Ensures that accurate and complete physical assessment of body is completed; Determines which tissues will be recovered; Ensures that reconstruction of donor is completed following recovery; Ensures accurate and complete documentation of all phases of tissue recovery.
• May coordinate recovery of ocular only donors which includes screening of potential donors as listed in function #2, determining timing and location of recovery, coordinating recovery with personnel of external facilities (OPOs, tissue banks, medical examiners, hospitals, funeral homes, etc.) and dispatching staff to perform ocular recovery.
• Evaluates, processes, packages and labels tissue allografts including split thickness skin, costal cartilage and fascia.
• Applies final labels and moves ocular and tissue allografts to released inventory.
• Assists with or performs cornea evaluation.
• Performs cleaning, packaging, and sterilization of instruments and supplies according to operating room standards and Transplant Service Center policies and procedures.
• Assists with or performs supply inventory and rotation of supplies.
• Assists with or performs packaging of tissues for shipment to end users using methods appropriate to storage requirements for each type of tissue being shipped as needed.
• Performs pick-up and delivery of tissue allografts as needed.
• Performs cleaning and routine maintenance of laboratories, clean rooms, and equipment (refrigerators, freezers, autoclaves and laminar flow hoods).
• Assists with training of Tissue Transplant Technicians and per diem technical recovery staff.
• Ensures accurate and complete documentation for all functions performed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100%25 coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree