Eye Bank Scientist

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.

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.
  

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 https://med.umn.edu/Ophthalmology

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: https://www.lionsgiftofsight.org

Pay Range: $24.04 per hour to $27.55 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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).