Ocular Transplant Specialist

UTSW; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Southwestern in Dallas is seeking a Tissue Transplant Technician to evaluate corneas for transplantation, perform aseptic processing, and manage tissue labeling and shipping.

Ideal candidates will have experience with ophthalmic tissue handling, OCT, slit lamp, and packaging of tissue for transport. Opportunity for growth and comprehensive benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Completion of two years of college with basic science courses.
• High School Diploma plus LVN/ORT/Mortician/EMS/MLT program.
• Experience as ocular or tissue transplant technician preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and determines suitability of corneas for transplantation using a slit lamp, specular microscope and OCT.
• Performs aseptic processing of corneas and sclera, including DSAEK, DMEK, ALK and glycerol preservation.
• Applies final labels and moves cornea and scleral allografts to released inventory.
• Assists with packaging of tissues for shipment according to storage requirements.
• Performs pick-up and delivery of tissue allografts as needed.
• Maintains ocular and supply inventories and rotates stock.

Skills

Ophthalmic tissue handling

Specular microscopy

OCT

Aseptic processing

Slit lamp examination

Education

Two years of college with basic science

High School Diploma + LVN/ORT/Mortician/EMS/MLT program

Tools

Specular microscope

Slit lamp

OCT

Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

JOB SUMMARY

Evaluates and determines suitability of corneas for transplantation utilizing a slit lamp, specular microscope and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Performs aseptic processing of corneas and sclera. Cornea processing includes DSAEK, DMEK, ALK and glycerol preservation. Applies final labels and moves cornea and scleral allografts to released inventory. Performs packaging of tissues for shipment to end users using methods appropriate to storage requirements for each type of tissue being shipped as needed. Performs pick-up and delivery of tissue allografts as needed. Performs ocular tissue inventory, supply inventory and rotation of supplies. Performs cleaning, packaging and sterilization of instruments and supplies according to operating room standards and Transplant Service Center policies and procedures. Performs cleaning and routine maintenance of laboratories, clean rooms, and equipment. Performs other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

SHIFT/SCHEDULE

Hours will be Sunday- Thursday 7am -4pm or 8am- 5pm

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education

Completion of two years of college to include at least six (6) hours in basic science or

High School Diploma and completion of accredited LVN, ORT, Mortician, EMS, or MLT program

• Experience

1 year of experience as an Ocular or Tissue Transplant Technician or equivalent

Preferred

• Education

Bachelor’s Degree in basic science with emphasis in biology or chemistry, nursing, medical technology, physical therapy, or related field

JOB DUTIES

• Evaluates and determines suitability of corneas for transplantation utilizing a slit lamp, specular microscope and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Performs aseptic processing of corneas and sclera. Cornea processing includes DSAEK, DMEK, ALK and glycerol preservation.
• Performs post-processing evaluation of corneas and determines suitability for transplantation.
• Applies final labels and moves cornea and scleral allografts to released inventory.
• Assists with or performs packaging of tissues for shipment to end users using methods appropriate to storage requirements for each type of tissue being shipped as needed.
• Performs pick-up and delivery of tissue allografts as needed.
• Performs ocular tissue inventory, supply inventory and rotation of supplies.
• Performs cleaning, packaging and sterilization of instruments and supplies according to operating room standards and Transplant Service Center policies and procedures.
• Performs cleaning and routine maintenance of laboratories, clean rooms, and equipment (refrigerators, freezers, autoclaves and laminar flow hoods).
• Assists with training of Tissue Transplant Technicians.
• Assists with recovery of human tissues including eyes/corneas, skin, bone/connective tissue cardiovascular tissues as needed (if trained in these functions).
• Assists with evaluation, processing, packaging and labeling of tissue including skin, costal cartilage and fascia as needed (if trained in these functions).
• Ensures accurate and complete documentation for all functions performed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.