Surgical Specialist

Summary: Surgical Specialist

This position supports organ research programs through on-call cannulation, surgical preparation, and initiation of ex vivo perfusion workflows. The role requires technical proficiency, adaptability, and the ability to operate in dynamic procedural environments with rapid decision-making. Availability for on-call cases, including nights, weekends, and short-notice acceptances, is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Perform or assist with cannulation of donor organs and establish vascular access for ex vivo perfusion circuits.
• Support organ procurement and back-table preparation in coordination with research teams.
• Collaborate with perfusionists and research staff to ensure timely initiation of perfusion workflows.
• Troubleshoot anatomical and technical challenges impacting flow and cannulation in real time.
• Maintain sterile technique and adhere to clinical, research, and regulatory standards throughout each case.
• Participate in on-call coverage, including nights, weekends, and short-notice case acceptances.
• Communicate case updates and relevant observations to team members in a clear and timely manner.
• Document cannulation procedures, case timelines, and technical issues, and support continuous improvement of surgical protocols.

Qualifications:

• Clinical training in a relevant field such as Surgery, Surgical Assistant, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or equivalent procedural specialty.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree required.
• Strong working knowledge of human anatomy, vascular structures, and organ handling.
• Demonstrated experience with sterile technique and procedural environments.
• Experience with organ procurement, transplant surgery, vascular cannulation, or similar procedures strongly preferred.
• Ability to perform or assist with vascular access and cannulation in time-sensitive settings.
• Comfort working in high-acuity, fast-paced environments with variable conditions.
• Strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills related to anatomy and flow dynamics.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to respond to on-call cases with short notice.
• Experience in transplant surgery, organ procurement, or surgical recovery procedures preferred.
• Hands-on experience with vascular cannulation, back-table preparation, and organ handling preferred.
• Prior experience with ex vivo organ perfusion systems (liver, lung, or kidney) preferred.
• Experience working in high-acuity procedural or surgical environments preferred.
• Background in translational research or preclinical/clinical study support preferred.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs and embrace feedback for continuous improvement.