Perfusionist Advanced Heart Failure

UTHealth Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid medical premiums

Generous paid time off

Longevity Pay

Retirement/pension plan

Free financial and legal counseling

Job summary

UTHealth Houston is seeking a highly skilled Perfusionist for our Advanced Heart Failure team. The role involves operating critical cardiac support devices during surgeries such as heart and lung transplants.

This position offers in-house coverage and the chance to work in a dynamic environment. Key responsibilities include monitoring patient circulatory processes and coordinating responses during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Licensed Perfusionist (PF) by Texas Medical Board required.
• ECMO, VAD, and Life Flight certificates required.
• Ability to take action in abnormal situations during procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate the heart-lung machine during surgery.
• Monitor circulatory processes and take appropriate actions.
• Provide perfusion support during complex procedures.

Skills

Operating heart-lung machine

ECMO expertise

Cardiopulmonary bypass knowledge

Monitoring blood gases

Patient care during surgery

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Perfusionist Technology

Tools

ECMO devices

Heart-lung machines

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Perfusionist to join our Advanced Heart Failure (AHF) team. This role is responsible for operating the heart‑lung machine and other specialized devices during complex cardiac procedures, including heart and lung transplants, LVAD placements, and ECMO support. This position requires 24/7 in‑house coverage and offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, high‑acuity environment with cutting‑edge technology and a multidisciplinary team.

What we do here changes the world.

UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave.

It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full‑time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees!

As a world‑renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as:

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary

Responsible for the operation of the heart‑lung machine during surgery and the operation of special mechanical devises to assist in the conversion of blood and blood products during surgery for the department of ACTAT‑Advanced Heart Failure (AHF).

Position Key Accountabilities

• Monitors the altered circulatory process closely, taking appropriate action when abnormal situations arise and keeps both the surgeon and anesthesiologist fully informed.
• Provides extended, long‑term support of the patient’s circulation outside the operating room environment.
• Ensures the sterility and integrity of packaging of disposable equipment used as well as the correct setup and breakdown of all equipment disposable and non‑disposable, sterile and non‑sterile.
• Provides adequate and proper perfusion to the patient during surgery including specialized cases such as heart transplants, lung transplants, LVAD, etc.; provides in‑house perfusion coverage 24/7/365.
• Maintains and regulates the blood temperature to the patient and monitors and checks blood gasses during surgery.
• Provides complete myocardial protection required during surgery; including providing blood or Crystalloid Cardioplegia delivery at proper temperature and proper pressure, whether antegrade or retrograde delivery.
• Part of the rapid response code team responsible for emergency adult Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), Extra Cororeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) or Cardiopulmonary Bypass case (CPB) initiations in Memorial Hermann Hospital (MHH).
• Records all relevant perfusion information during surgery and maintains the records after surgery.
• Responsible for ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) data collection and data registry input including bi‑annual reporting.
• Provides and operates cardiac‑assist devices in the weaning and termination phases of surgery.
• Provides set‑up, priming, and initiation of ECMO as well as troubleshooting ECMO circuit problems.
• Monitors ECMO 24/7, participates in intra‑hospital transport and stays abreast of new developments and technologies.
• Provides set‑up, priming, and initiation of Organ Procurement (XVIVO) and hospital approved experimental adult extracorporeal devices (Hemolung). Monitors Hemolung 24/7 and participates in intra‑hospital transport.
• Participates in MHH Life Flight Transport including helicopter, ground ambulance and fixed wing transport for FAA approved cardiac support devices. Attends mandatory safety orientation.
• Performs equity quality controls for control/preventive maintenance, related documentation and reporting to MHH and additional hospitals receiving Perfusionist clinical coverage from AHF.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies.
• May be responsible for the daily coordination of the perfusion program students; Instructs the trainees by providing guidance, support and supervision as well as conducts lectures under the direction of the Perfusion Education Program Director.
• Coordinates the high‑fidelity simulator for CPB scenarios.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills

• Annual mandatory training as required by the department.
• ECMO, VAD and Life Flight certificates required
• Licensed Perfusionist (PF) by Texas Medical Board (TMB) required
• Certified Clinical Perfusionists (CCP) by American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) preferred

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree and completion of an accredited Perfusionist Technology program required.

Minimum Experience

None.

Physical Requirements

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive

• 51.215 and Texas Government Code
• 411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code
• 117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R.
• 791.4. Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.