Tissue Procurement Trainer

Center for Organ Recovery and Education; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) in Pittsburgh seeks a Tissue Procurement Trainer to provide training and mentorship for Tissue Recovery Coordinators (TRCs). The role involves leading recovery operations and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

A strong background in tissue recovery and teaching skills are essential. Candidates should also have a valid PA driver’s license and be prepared for on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in tissue recovery and organ perfusion.
• Strong teaching, coaching, and constructive feedback skills.
• Valid Pennsylvania state driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on training and clinical guidance in tissue recovery.
• Lead recovery operations, ensuring effective communication and staffing.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Teaching and coaching

Aseptic technique

Decision-making under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Headquarters – Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Overview

The Tissue Procurement Trainer for the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) reports to the Director of Tissue Procurement Operations. The trainer is a clinical leader who supports CORE’s mission through direct participation in tissue and ocular recovery, hands‑on training, coaching, and mentorship of Tissue Recovery Coordinators (TRCs). The role primarily occurs in the operating room, guiding staff through aseptic technique, donor prep, recovery procedures, and documentation standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on training and clinical guidance to TRCs during active donor recovery cases in the operating room, morgue, and affiliated facilities.
• Serve as the primary resource for aseptic technique, donor preparation, surgical instrumentation, documentation accuracy, and adherence to FDA current Good Tissue Practices.
• Lead recovery operations during assigned shifts by ensuring case readiness, effective communication, appropriate staffing, and high‑quality donor management.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of changes in AATB, FDA cGTP, EBAA, and CORE policies related to tissue, ocular, research, and organ recovery.
• Provide input into the selection, hiring, and development of new employees.
• Participate in internal audits, corrective action follow‑up, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support preceptor development and ensure a standardized, competency‑based approach to training across all recovery staff.
• Maintain active membership in a professional organization and remain current with CTBS certification.
• Act as a positive role model, consistently reinforcing CORE’s mission, values, and professional standards.

On‑Call Duties

• Serve as Tissue On‑Call (TOC) a minimum of four days per month.
• Independently determine donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery using clinical judgment, reviewing DRAIs, laboratory results, medical and social history, hemodilution, autopsy clearance, and applicable regulatory criteria.
• Assign staff to case activity while maintaining timely and effective communication with hospital partners, staff, leadership, and tissue processors, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely documentation by all assigned recovery staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in tissue recovery and organ perfusion.
• Minimum of two years of experience with aseptic technique.
• Strong teaching, coaching, and constructive feedback skills.
• Excellent decision‑making under pressure, independent judgment, and the ability to manage multiple ongoing activities.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a professional work environment.
• Physical stamina for long, unpredictable hours, including nights and weekends; ability to lift at least 60 pounds.
• Valid Pennsylvania state driver’s license.
• Good manual dexterity and visual acuity.
• Must obtain CTBS certification within two years of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.

Education

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, prior experience in an OPO or management experience may supplement the education level.