Temporary/Casual/Supplemental

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.

Job Responsibilities:

40% Evaluation of Ocular Tissue -

• 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.

All required qualifications must be on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA in the biological sciences or health care or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four (4) years
• Experience working in a healthcare 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

Lions Gift of Sight

Lions Gift of Sight (formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank), a partnership between the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences and Minnesota Lions club members, has provided donor eye tissue for sight-saving corneal transplants, research, and education for more than 50 years! One of the most successful eye banks in the world, the Lions Gift of Sight has helped restore sight to more than 29,000 people. In addition, more than 1,000 eyes or corneas are dedicated to research every year.

For more information please visit: https://www.lionsgiftofsight.org/

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences (OVNS) has experts in all six subspecialty areas of ophthalmology. OVNS ophthalmologists are among the best in the world, treating the full spectrum of health issues relating to the eye, including the most complicated and challenging cases of glaucoma, cataracts, conditions of the retina and cornea, and ocular cancer. Approximately 71,000 patients are seen annually in OVNS treatment centers, and team members, from faculty to technicians to administrators, are dedicated to providing excellent patient care, discovering new treatments, and educating the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information please visit our website at: http://www.ophthalmology.umn.edu/

Pay Rate: $25.04 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

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).