Machine Perfusion Specialist

Donor Network West’s mission is to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation and research.

At Donor Network West, we're looking for people who embody our core values: passion, excellence, equity and inclusion, and relationships. We welcome diverse perspectives and foster an environment of collaboration and service.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Organ Perfusion Specialist is responsible for preparation, management and optimization of organs using preservation technology and techniques. This position serves as the content and technical expert for organ preservation at Donor Network West and supports the organization’s mission, core purpose and values. The Organ Preservation Specialist is expected to support Donor Network West in achieving its core purpose of saving lives by increasing donation and transplantation locally and nationally by promoting a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in advancing organ preservation technology.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily On-Call availability after hours and on weekends and rotating holidays
• Travel to donors in the Donor Network West donor service area required routinely with occasional regional travel.
• Intermittent travel by ground and air is required
• Preparation and cannulation of organs for mechanical preservation technology
• Develop and maintain proficiency on multiple organ preservation platforms
• Creates and controls an aseptic zone during organ preparation
• Performs maintenance and documentation on equipment has required
• In concert with supporting physician(s) manage and optimize organ function using the latest preservation technology and techniques
• Responsible for the documentation and communication of performance of organs during the perfusion run
• Responsible for the removal and preparation of organs for transport to transplant center in collaboration with OPO surgeon and surgical recovery coordinators.
• Processes blood samples and interprets results for the purpose of maintaining and/or maximizing organ function during assessment, prior to transplantation
• Participates in case review meetings and transplant debrief meetings as requested
• Responsible for the decontamination of instruments and equipment following each organ preservation activity
• Participates in ongoing training and development to maintain and advance skills relative to best practices in organ preservation in the field of transplantation.
•  May perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Assist, as directed, in the development of policies & procedures relating to surgical recovery and organ preservation.
• Maintains confidentiality of donor and recipient information according to established policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be able to effectively communicate in a variety of environments, both indoor and outdoor, and under a variety of environmental conditions.
• Position requires finger dexterity which would normally be used to operate a telephone, calculator, and computer equipment.
• Must have command of the English language and be able to speak clearly to convey information to business contacts and other Donor Network West and transplant center employees over the phone and in person.
• Requires ability to work under stress with numerous interruptions, distractions, and changing priorities.
• Must have the mental capacity to retain business and technical information.
• Must be able to read correspondence, reports, and computer screens.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and to work extended hours as dictated by donor recovery schedules.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree, applied science degree or applied science certification preferred.
• Certified Transplant Profusion required
• Training and experience in aseptic technique required
• Minimum 3 years’ experience with mechanical perfusion technology
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in an organ preservation role
• Practical knowledge of blood gas interpretation
• Understanding of basic clinical laboratory interpretation and pharmaceutical therapeutics
• Organ procurement, preservation, and packaging/labeling knowledge with competency with Transnet required
• Knowledge of organ procurement allocation policy and process required within one year of hire date
• The ability to interpret and carry out research protocols independently

Provided compensation data is subject to change based on location and work status. Salary data provided by third party sites do not accurately reflect our pay structure.