Lead Transplant Recovery Specialist - 135995

Under direction, the Lead Transplant Recovery Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for organ perfusion technologies, including mechanical perfusion and advanced preservation techniques. This position identifies process improvement opportunities, develops training programs for new staff, and coordinates team activities including on-call rotation coverage. The Lead Specialist collaborates with the Department Manager and Transplant Quality Team to enhance department operations and standardize procedures. This role provides technical guidance on preservation procedures and serves as a resource for the transplant team.

The Lead Transplant Recovery Specialist oversees activities involved with preservation, perfusion, packaging, and transportation of organs. This includes managing organs on preservation devices, taking responsibility for organ preservation during recovery cases, and providing support to recovery teams. The Lead Specialist operates specialized perfusion equipment and applies expertise to maximize organ viability. This position maintains appropriate records of all perfusion activities to ensure consistent protocol application and quality assurance.

Working with surgical directors, the Lead Transplant Recovery Specialist advances perfusion capabilities and contributes to research initiatives that position the institution as a leader in transplant technology. This role collaborates on research protocols and supports implementation of new perfusion technologies. The Lead Specialist ensures regulatory compliance with TJC, FDA, UNOS, and CMS standards while developing policies related to organ recovery and preservation. The position includes providing educational in-services to hospital staff and maintaining current knowledge of industry advancements. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science plus four years of experience in the kind of work to be performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Four (4) years of experience as a surgical technician, transplant recovery specialist or other relevant experience.

• Must have applicable certification/licensure as surgical tech or EMT.

• Demonstrated ability to safely and accurately prepare and administer medications and fluids used for organ preservation.

• Demonstrated ability to use ground transportation and air transportation; fixed-wing and helicopter.

• Demonstrated ability to work with cadaveric donors.

• Proficient in aseptic and sterile techniques.

• Strong leadership, collaboration and decision-making skills.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Analytical skills required to oversee and organize the work of others.

• Certified Transplant Preservationist certification.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to work on-call, 24/7 work environment on a rotation basis.
• Must be able to be on site within 30 minutes when on call.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

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