Organ Preservation Specialist I

Center for Organ Recovery and Education; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Organ Recovery and Education is seeking an Organ Preservation Specialist I to coordinate surgical recovery of organs and tissues from post-mortem donors. This role involves collaboration with hospital staff and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Qualified candidates will have a medical background and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include managing preservation processes, educating healthcare professionals, and ensuring timely recovery operations. Applicants must have a valid PA state driver’s license and be ready to travel as necessary.

Qualifications

• Medical background with at least one year in a health-related field.
• Consideration for graduates from Surgical Technology, Forensic Autopsy, or Mortuary Sciences.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and travel by plane.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate surgical recovery of organs and tissues from post-mortem donors.
• Educate health care professionals on donation processes.
• Manage preservation solutions and sterile equipment.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Independent judgment

Physical stamina

Experience with sterile technique

Good manual dexterity

Education

Medical background or relevant program graduation

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION – ORGAN PRESERVATION SPECIALIST I

Department: Recovery

Reports to: Manager of Organ Recovery Operations

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-time or Casual

Job Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15238

OSHA Category: Clinical

POSITION SUMMARY

The Organ Preservation Specialist I coordinates surgical recovery of organs and tissues from post‑mortem donors. The role functions within the brain death pathway and donation after death (DCD) pathways, supporting advanced recovery techniques, including normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and rapid recovery with extended ultra‑oxygenated preservation (REUP) procedures when applicable.

Collaborates with donor hospital operating room staff, recovering surgeons, transplant center teams, and CORE leadership to ensure timely recovery operations and adherence to regulatory requirements. Provides organ preservation support tasks, preservation processes, and preparation of organs for transport in accordance with OPTN standards and CORE policies.

Trained to support and remain competent in CORE Consignment preservation devices utilized intraoperatively, such as Paragonix SherpaPak, LUNGguard, LIVERguard, Traferox, and future devices adopted by CORE.

Responsible for recovery of tissue for transplant (e.g., heart valves, vertebral bodies) and research organs and tissues from post‑mortem donors, observing FDA current Good Tissue Practices and AATB standards. Provides assistance to local transplant centers in delivery of imported organs, fly‑out recoveries, and preservation during living organ donor cases.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Educates and interacts with health care professionals on the donation process. Promotes a safe, injury‑free, and fire‑safe work environment. Demonstrates knowledge of current Good Tissue Practices, OPTN policy, and CORE policies and procedures. Manages preservation solutions, sterile equipment, and supplies specific to donation activity. Packages, labels, and verifies donor information for each organ and/or tissue recovered for transplant or research with precision and urgency.

Manages the OPTN electronic bar‑coding organ labeling system (TransNet) and has experience in electronic documentation applications. Displays strong interpersonal skills and contributes to a positive workplace environment.

CASUAL STATUS REQUIREMENT

An Organ Preservation Specialist I in Casual status provides current availability for schedules to the Manager of Organ Recovery Operations and maintains up‑to‑date contact information. They remain current with CORE policy and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Medical background with at least one year of experience in a health‑related field. Consideration given to candidates graduating from programs in Surgical Technology, Forensic Autopsy, or Mortuary Sciences.

• Strong communication skills and independent judgment.
• Ability to work well with diverse individuals; excellent verbal communication and literary skills.
• Professional commitment, respect for donors and CORE partners.
• Experience with sterile technique.
• Completion of an extensive six‑month training period.
• Physical stamina for long, unpredictable hours; ability to lift 60 pounds.
• Valid PA state driver’s license and willingness to travel by plane.
• Good manual dexterity and visual acuity.

Must secure a passport within six months of employment.

DEGREE OF JOB DIFFICULTY

The role is moderate; inadvertent errors could result in the death of a transplant recipient.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

None.