Tissue Procurement Team Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

The Tissue Procurement Team Lead serves as a key operational and administrative resource within the Tissue Procurement Operations at the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE). Reporting to the Director, Tissue Procurement Operations, this role provides advanced operational oversight, administrative support, quality coordination, and training functions while maintaining clinical competency in tissue and ocular recovery.

This position is not primarily an in-OR role; however, the Team Lead will participate in hands-on recovery activities when needed to maintain competency, support staffing needs, or assist in complex cases.

The Team Lead serves as Tissue On-Call (TOC) a minimum of four (4) days per month and independently determines donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery in accordance with CORE Policy & Procedure, AATB standards, EBAA requirements, and FDA current Good Tissue Practices (cGTP).

This role interfaces regularly with CORE’s tissue processor partners to support efficient case flow, documentation accuracy, labeling requirements, packaging compliance, and communication. The Team Lead plays an integral role in staff education, performance input, competency verification, and standardization of practices across the Tissue Procurement Operations.

The Team Lead must obtain CTBS certification within one year of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Operational Responsibilities:

Serve as one of the primary operational points of contact between CORE and tissue processor partners, ensuring effective communication and coordination. Review and verify the accuracy of documentation submitted to tissue processors and assist with the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, training materials, and workflows. Support departmental scheduling, case coordination, and operational logistics, while participating in data review, error analysis, and quality improvement initiatives. Work closely with Tissue Procurement Trainers to ensure staff proficiency, recovery quality, and adherence to established performance standards. Provide oversight, coaching, and support to ensure Trainers maintain proficiency in their training responsibilities. Collaborate with Trainers on departmental initiatives and provide oversight of training-related and operational projects. Actively participate in CORE Council meetings and contribute to strategic projects that enhance recovery operations.

Training & Development:

Provide education, coaching, and training to Tissue Recovery Coordinators to support skill development and performance consistency. Support preceptor development and promote training standardization across the department. Conduct skills assessments and provide performance input, serving as a resource during complex donor cases. Partner with Trainers to identify training gaps, ensure training quality, and monitor trainer performance, holding Trainers accountable for consistency and effectiveness in training delivery.

Tissue On-Call Responsibilities:

Independently determine donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery using sound clinical judgment. Review DRAIs, laboratory results, medical and social history, hemodilution, autopsy clearance, and applicable regulatory criteria to support eligibility decisions. Assign staff appropriately to case activity while maintaining timely and effective communication with hospital partners, staff, leadership, and tissue processors while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely documentation by all assigned recovery staff.

Regulatory & Quality Oversight:

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable regulatory and accreditation standards, including AATB, FDA cGTP, EBAA, and CORE policies. Participate in audits, chart reviews, accreditation preparation, and quality assurance activities. Monitor documentation trends and support the development and implementation of corrective actions to promote compliance and continuous improvement.

Professional Engagement:

Maintain CTBS certification and active membership in at least one professional organization. Pursue ongoing professional and leadership development to support individual growth and organizational excellence.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of five years of experience in tissue recovery is required, with a strong understanding of organ perfusion and aseptic technique. Prior experience interacting with tissue processors is preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong administrative, analytical, and organizational skills, along with the ability to teach, coach, and provide constructive feedback in a professional manner. Excellent communication skills are essential, with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders1. Strong decision-making skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment are required, as well as the flexibility to work unpredictable hours. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 60 pounds, with strong manual dexterity and visual acuity. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, though equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. The individual must maintain CTBS certification.

DEGREE OF JOB DIFFICULTY

This role requires advanced clinical knowledge, administrative expertise, strong critical thinking, and independent judgment. Errors may impact donor eligibility, regulatory compliance, tissue processor relationships, or transplant recipient safety.