The Lions Gift of Sight is looking for a laboratory operations support position located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN with the primary responsibility of performing common technical tasks in a medical laboratory environment. The individuals in this role will work closely with lab staff to determine tasks of highest priority and complete those as assigned. Reliability and thoroughness are essential for success in this position and the ability to perform tasks as dictated by procedure.

Laboratory Support Specialists are required to adhere to all Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) policies, procedures, standards, and regulations. Lions Gift of Sight is an entity of the Department of Ophthalmology within the University of Minnesota Medical School.

This is a position with a variable schedule including days, evenings, and weekends.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Instruments & Equipment
  • Perform decontamination, inspection, lubrication, and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment
  • Wrap and sterilize equipment in accordance with AORN standards and stock instruments after sterilization
  • Assist in the maintenance of equipment including refrigeration equipment, autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, centrifuges, microscopes, and other electronic and mechanical ophthalmology equipment
• Inventory & Supply
  • Support the Supply & Inventory Coordinator in general inventory tasks including receiving, inspecting, labeling of supplies, with particular attention to lot numbers and expiration dates
  • Utilize supply management software to perform inventory related functions
  • Prepare kits for laboratory processing and tissue recovery procedures
  • Ensure accuracy during kit construction
  • Ensure shipped items meet specifications, are unexpired, and proper shipping materials are used to protect the shipmentsReplace kit components as needed to ensure transplant compliance
  • Report any expired or damaged supplies to the Supply & Inventory Coordinator
  • Ship supplies to staff in and outside the Twin Cities metro
  • Monitor par/stock levels for 4-5 remote supply storage locations and ensure adequate stock levels are maintained
• Tissue Processing Assisting / Circulation
  • Prepare environment, supplies and equipment prior to and following procedure
  • Operate equipment, assist processor, and complete documentation during the procedure
  • Ensure ISBT labeling
• Special Projects- 10%
  • Maintain training in all applicable skills, including sharps, bloodborne pathogens, biohazard materials handling, and other LGS specific policies
  • Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision and dynamically prioritize tasks
• Strong fine motor skills for handling of delicate instruments and equipment
• Ability to understand and adhere to aseptic technique, universal precautions, and Lion Gift of Sight policies and procedures
• Capability to use standard office and business equipment
• Ability to creatively problem solve and adapt to a changing environment
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, responsible, and reliable
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand and walk for extended periods, frequently push, pull squat, bend, and reach objects
• Ability to work effectively on a team and resolve conflicts calmly and successfully
• Excellent written and verbal communication

Preferred Qualifications:

• Laboratory/medical equipment operation and maintenance experience
• Supply handling or inventory management experience

Lions Gift of Sight

A partnership between the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Lions Clubs members, Lions Gift of Sight has provided donor eye tissue for sight-saving corneal transplants, research, and education for more than 50 years! 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 treat a 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, by teams who are dedicated to providing excellent patient care, discovering new treatments, and educating the next generation of eye care professionals.

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

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).