Summary

This position is responsible for assisting in routine scientific functions to promote optimal operation of research and innovations projects and eye tissue recovery. This includes performing day-to-day activities related to experiments or clinical trials targeting development of new or improved service lines. This position also is responsible for research and clinical laboratory related aspects of eye/tissue donations in compliance with Eversight and Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) Medical Standards and with state and federal regulations.

Essential Functions

• Performs routine research laboratory functions such as eye tissue dissection, histology, wet- lab techniques.
• Performs pre-clinical lab experiments in collaboration with other members of Research and Innovations team.
• Maintains relationships with external partners.
• Assists in development of research protocols for experiments and/or clinical trials.
• Assists in training of other staff, including Recovery Technicians, on new or improved service lines and tissue processing techniques.
• Assists in preparations for technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analyses.
• Performs technical procedures as trained, including tissue recovery such as human eye enucleations, corneal excisions, or other ocular tissue recoveries, tissue evaluation, tissue preservation, rinses, trims, transfers etc. Makes appropriate procurement determinations based on donor, medical and body inspection information.
• Performs clinical duties including proper case documentation, tissue check-in, hospital chart reviews, consults with hospital and other organizations associated with case, data entry, filing, packaging and shipping tissue.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, etc.
• Maintains laboratory including keeping a sterile environment, managing inventory and ordering supplies.
• Observes strict confidentiality of donor and recipient information at all timesWork with others to plan, coordinate, facilitate, schedule and document projects in support of Eversight International goals and objectives.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional organization.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the Mission and Values of Eversight.
• Other Duties: New tasks, duties and responsibilities may be added at any time, with or without notice to the employee. This job description is not intended to cover or describe all of the tasks, duties and responsibilities the employee may be required to or asked to perform.

Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate studies in biological and human sciences preferred.

Experience: Previous ophthalmic research laboratory experience preferred.

Skills: Ability to be resourceful and troubleshoot problems; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with all staff within and outside of the organization; demonstrates a sense of urgency; ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with peers while fostering a positive work environment; demonstrated customer service skills; ability to follow-through on assignments.

Knowledge: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, internet research and other software as determined by Eversight. Proficiency in technical procedures after appropriate training as needed.

Valid driver’s license.

Schedule: 4 days/week - 10 hour days

Work Environment

Work is performed in a laboratory setting or a patient care setting, such as a hospital operating room or morgue, with potential exposure to communicable diseases or hazardous materials.

Travel to procurement sites is required. Turning of a donor of up to 400 pounds, pushing a stretcher/morgue cart with a body of up to that weight and/or lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. The majority of time is spent standing and walking as well as lifting. Simultaneous use of both hands is required. Movements such as balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, and bending are sometimes required. Audio, visual and verbal functions are vital aspects of this position. Limited noise, room temperature fluctuation and dust are possible. Routine use of computer. Use of personal vehicle is required when traveling within the service area.

Administrative functions: Work is primarily performed in a normal office environment. While performing the administrative duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time. Routine use of computer. Limited noise, room temperature fluctuation and dust are possible.

The work environment and physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Organizational Relationship

Reports to Director or Vice President