Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

Eye bank scientists have the primary responsibility of preparing donated human eye tissue for transplant. Duties also include various operational tasks required to maintain a safe and productive laboratory environment. Eye bank scientists are required to adhere to all Lions Gift of Sight (LGS), Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.
Lab staff are considered "critical employees", expected to report to work during emergency closures, unless specifically instructed not to report to work at these times.

Description of duties:

Processing (40%)

• Perform all forms of tissue processing offered by LGS for various applications including keratoplasty, sclera preservation, and routine transfers and modifications for proper viewing, handling, and storage
• Perform surgical circulation duties for processing procedures
• Provide consistent and thorough documentation and precise post-processing tissue outcomes
• Document and participate in quality systems investigations

Evaluation (25%)

• Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy, specular microscopy, pachymetry, and Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assign transplant suitability
• Record evaluation findings in donor management system and provide findings and feedback to internal teams
• Determine final surgical suitability of tissues for transplant use
• Report tissue evaluation findings and suitability information to advance the eligibility determination process

Training, Technical Procedures and Process Improvement (20%)

• Achieve and maintain an understanding of equipment including refrigeration equipment, autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, centrifuges, microscopes, and other electronic and mechanical ophthalmology equipment
• Participate in research and development of novel techniques and analysis of product alternatives, including supplies, instruments, and equipment
• Assist in written procedure creation and revision, validation, and training
• Participate in committees, sub-committees, and/or events at the national association level

Lab Operations (10%)

• Shipping of specimens and tissue, including inspection, labeling, and packaging
• Clean, inspect, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
• Assemble procedure trays
• Perform scheduled cleaning and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Complete environmental monitoring and submit specimens for microbial and fungal testing

Supply & Inventory (5%)

• Prepare kits for laboratory processing and tissue recovery procedures
• Assist in receiving, inspecting, and labeling supplies
• Serve as backup supply and inventory staff during absences monitoring time-critical supply shipments

General Duties (all times)

• Take initiative to improve processes and act entrepreneurially to benefit the organization
• Represent Lions Gift of Sight as an ambassador at conferences and events, internal and external, as needed
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, mortuary sciences or related field and 3 years experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience totaling at least eight (8) years.
• Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT)
• Highly analytical and particularly attentive to detail and data accuracy
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to work effectively on a team and resolve conflicts calmly and effectively
• Self-motivated with an ability to creatively problem solve and adapt to a changing environment
• Excellent computer skills. Proficient in common programs such as the Microsoft Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical training and leadership experience
• Demonstrated skills in microscopy, microsurgery, and aseptic techniques
• Laboratory/medical equipment operation and maintenance experience
• Experience working in a regulated environment

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences (OVNS) has experts in all six subspecialty areas of ophthalmology. OVNS ophthalmologists treat a full spectrum of health issues relating to the eye, including the most complicated and challenging cases of glaucoma, cataracts, conditions of the retina and cornea, and ocular cancer. Approximately 71,000 patients are seen annually in OVNS treatment centers, by teams who are dedicated to providing excellent patient care, discovering new treatments, and educating the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information please visit: http://www.ophthalmology.umn.edu/

Lions Gift of Sight

A partnership between the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Lions Clubs members, Lions Gift of Sight has provided donor eye tissue for sight-saving corneal transplants, research, and education for more than 50 years! For more information please visit: https://www.lionsgiftofsight.org

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).