Position Purpose

The Senior Laboratory Technical & Surgical Trainer provides training to all Lab staff and prepares research/training grafts for surgeon wet labs conducted and/or supported by LWVI. This position is responsible for assuring that all laboratory staff members are trained for tissue evaluations and corneal processing appropriately and correctly ensuring the placement of the highest quality human eye tissue with surgeons and hospital facilities. This position will also assist surgeon wet labs as needed and travelling will be required both domestically and internationally.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory transplant and research/training tissue processing including pre-cut procedures (cornea and sclera processing), tissue cell count and tissue evaluation using LWVI and industry rating methods

• Responsible for all aspects of training and training documentation ensuring all Lab staff are trained appropriately to their responsibilities ensuring compliance with LWVI training policies
• Must have a strong knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique, sterile preparation of instrument kits and possess the ability to process corneal tissue with microkeratome or other devices for surgical use
• Trained and proficient in corneal evaluation with specular and slit lamp
• Must have or gain the knowledge and ability to perform pre-cut and pre-load cornea tissue processing
• Work closely with Quality Assurance management team ensuring that training files and that all Lab and processing policies are accurate and reflect current practice
• Knowledgeable of EBAA, FDA and LWVI policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with FDA, EBAA, and other state and federal regulatory bodies
• Work closely with staff to be sure we have an open line of communication and their needs are being met to maintain a cooperative working environment and staff longevity
• Assist the Director of Ocular Lab Services reviewing, investigating and providing Corrective and Preventative Actions to Quality Assurance on all tissue related complaints
• Must be approved as a Medical Director approved Technical Trainer within 12 months of hire
• Interact well with surgeons and / or surgical staff on donor or tissue related issues
• Surgical wet lab tissue preparation will be performed under the guidance of the Clinical Development Manager department
• Other duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

Demonstrated ability to provide a high level of customer service, a strong attention to detail and solid multitasking skills

• Ability to interact with co-workers within and outside of the department
• Ability to effectively prioritize shift activities
• Adaptability to change
• Computer skills
• Bilingual; Spanish speaking highly preferred
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology
• Be a self-starter and perform work independently
• Must have or obtain a Hepatitis B vaccination
• Must be able to take phone calls outside of normal business hours, cover weekends and holidays as required by training needs or Lab schedule requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND/OR PREFERRED:

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline preferred
• Three (3) years’ experience management /supervisory experience
• 3-5 years’ experience working in Eye Bank Laboratory environment
• Certified as an Eye Bank Technician preferred; or must attain within one year of employment.
• Strong planning/organizational skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Leadership, management and supervision including working knowledge of and behaviors conforming to all appropriate state and federal labor laws and in a style consistent with strengths-based leadership philosophies around employee engagement.
• Ability to communicate effectively (in both oral and written forms) across all levels of the organization.
• Basic computer software skills including but not limited to: MS Office, Word, Excel
• Strong time-management/planning/organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to rapidly adjust to changing situations while remaining energetic and demonstrating a positive attitude.
• Thorough knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology

Work Environment

The work environment described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to a laboratory-like environment and office like-environment. The noise level is usually low. Open discussions about donor health and circumstances of death occur throughout the day.

Equipment required for this position include but are not limited to, sterile supplies that may contain latex, surgical gloves and sterile attire, standard office space and equipment, standard PC equipment and printers, and telephone and/or headset.

Physical Demands

The physical demands representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job include but are not limited to regularly required to sit, stand, talk, see and hear; needing to possess conversational hearing, with or without aid, as well as adequate vision; required to possess dexterity to operate standard office equipment; occasionally required to lift 20 pounds or more. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.