Job Description
Job ID: 364446
About the Job Job Summary: Determines tissue
suitability for transplant using evaluation criteria and various microscopes. Processes, using sterile technique, donated human eye tissue
for transplant. Ensures all tissue meets standards of governing agencies and fulfills surgeon requests. Packages and ships tissue to surgery
centers. Documents all job functions in various data management systems.
This is a part-time (0.75 FTE, 30+ hours per week) on-site,
benefits-eligible position with a variable schedule, and will include working weekdays, weekends, and holiday shifts. Lab staff are
considered "essential employees", expected to report to work during emergency closures, unless specially instructed not to report to work at
these times.
Job Responsibilities: 40% Evaluation of Ocular Tissue - - Perform slit
lamp biomicroscopy, specular microscopy, pachymetry, and Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT).
- Determine transplant
suitability.
- Record evaluation findings in donor management system and provide findings and feedback to recovery
staff.
- Communicate evaluation findings and suitability information to distribution and donor review staff.
30%
Process Ocular Tissue -- Prepare tissue via microkeratome and manual dissection for various applications including
keratoplasty.
- Sclera preservation, routine transfers, and modifications for proper viewing, handling, and storage.
- Perform
surgical circulation duties for processing procedures.
- Provide consistent and thorough documentation and precise post-processing
tissue evaluations and outcomes.
- Document and participate in quality systems investigations.
15% Shipping of Ocular
Tissue -- Inspect, label, and package tissue for shipping to surgeons.
- Schedule deliveries with internal and external
couriers.
- Document shipment information in donor management system.
5% Lab Operations -- Clean,
inspect, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.
- Assemble procedure trays.
- Perform scheduled cleaning and routine
maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Complete environmental monitoring and submit specimens for microbial and fungal
testing.
5% Supply and Inventory -- Prepare kits for laboratory processing and tissue recovery
procedures.
- Assist in receiving, inspecting, and labeling supplies.
- Prepare kits for laboratory processing and tissue
recovery procedures.
- Assist in receiving, inspecting, and labeling supplies.
- Serve as backup supply and inventory staff
during absences monitoring time-critical supply shipments.
5% Technical Procedures and Process Improvements
-- Achieve and maintain an understanding of equipment including refrigeration equipment, autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners,
centrifuges, microscopes, and other electronic and mechanical ophthalmology equipment.
- Participate in research and development of
novel techniques and analysis of product alternatives, including supplies, instruments, and equipment in collaboration with Medical
Director,
- Research & Development, and others.
- Assist in written procedure creation and revision, validation, and
training.
- Take initiative to improve processes and act entrepreneurially to benefit the organization.
- Other duties as
assigned by supervisor.
Expected Starting Salary Range: $24.04 to $27.55 per hour, depending on qualifications and
experience. Qualifications All required qualifications must be included in the application
materials Required Qualifications: - BS/BA in the biological sciences or a health care field, or a
combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four (4) years.
- Experience working in a health care related
field.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications: - Certified Eye
Bank Technician (CEBT) or CEBT eligible.
- Demonstrated skills in microscopy and microsurgery and aseptic technique.
Experience
working in a regulated environment. - Experience working with laboratory equipment and equipment computer
software.
About the Department The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and its success is
built upon the innovation and drive of every member of our team, from faculty to administrators to technicians. Put simply, all of us are
driven to provide the best eye care for our patients, discover new treatments, and educate the next generation of eye care
professionals.
For more information, please visit our website at
Lions Gift
of Sight (formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) was established after the partnership between the Lions and the Department of Ophthalmology &
Visual Neurosciences came to life in 1960, providing donor eye tissue for transplant, research, and teaching and promoting donation through
education. Lions Gift of Sight has helped restore sight to more than 22,000 people by providing cornea tissue for transplantation and is one
of the largest and most successful eye banks in the world.
For more information, please visit our website at:
Benefits Working at the University At
the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We
prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University
also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time
off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, pharmacy, and disability
plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Employer-paid life
insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan
Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling
at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for
more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for
this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by
accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an
accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612)
624-8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in
enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and
retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in
its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status,
disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about
diversity at the U:
Employment
Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is
that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate,
graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most
vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with
world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service
organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well
as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019,
2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Part time, Work experience placement, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work, Weekday work,