Research Project Coordinator

Position Purpose
The Research Project Coordinator is responsible for the recovery and dissection of human eye tissue for research as well as the collection of all necessary medical, behavioral, laboratory, and other data to ensure quality research screening. The coordinator works closely with the Scientific Director and other members of the research team to coordinate tissue collection with tissue requests.

All Research Recovery Coordinators are dedicated to the highest ethical standards and are trained to use surgical aseptic techniques to ensure that tissue is recovered safely with respect and dignity to the donor and their family. All Recovery Coordinators are trained in a manner to ensure compliance with and adherence to LWVI Policies and Procedures. All Research Coordinators must be good stewards of the donor’s gift and to those who will receive this precious gift for research. The coordinator will also assist in the successful execution of internal and external research projects to enable sight saving research for partners around the globe.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of LWVI and exhibits a personal commitment to organ donation.
• Receives requests and supports the placement process for timely delivery of the highest quality transplant tissue for LWVI customers.
• Performs dissection/preparation of research tissues as specified by research request.
• Travels throughout respective recovery area (via automobile) to collect eye tissue and medical records (50% time)
• Performs efficient and quality surgical recovery of human eye tissue for research.
• Performs donor medical history reviews and physical assessments including gross evaluation of ocular tissues.
• Copies or obtains complete and accurate medical charts, behavioral data, laboratory data, blood specimens, and other pertinent data from the recovery site and other appropriate agencies.
• Familiarity with Hospitals Policies in our service area as well as Medical Examiner’s Policies.
• Employs Universal Precautions and appropriate safety precautions at all times.
• Familiarity with working relationship with Organ Procurement Organization.
• Transport eye tissue to/from LWVI facility according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Interacts professionally and respectfully as a representative of LWVI in hospital, funeral home, and transplant/donation settings.
• Operating and maintains company vehicles as required.
• Performs facility cleaning and equipment maintenance as required.
• Maintains patient and organizational confidentiality at all times.
• Assist with packaging and shipping as needed.
• Must be able and willing to work with human tissue samples.
• Perform all job functions in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, Eye Bank Associate of American Medical Standards, and LWVI SOPs
• Performs basic research lab work functions, training will be provided
• Performs other projects and duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; work experience in the fields of science and/or allied health care (Surgical Technician, Ophthalmic Technologists, EMT, ER Technician, etc.), background may substitute.
• Knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology and disease processes preferred.
• A valid driver’s license and insurance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all Eye Bank, hospital and peer agency staff.
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology
• Be a selfstarter and perform work independently.
• Strong working knowledge of aseptic technique, applicable state and federal regulations, eye Bank Association of America Medical Standards, and LWVI standards operating procedures
• Must read and write English.
• Must have reliable, dependable transportation to and from work. Company vehicle provided for recovery only.
• Must have a dependable cell phone number for contact during hours of on call.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to adapt to changing technology implemented to stay competitive.
• Computer software skills including but not limited to MS Outlook and Word

Schedule and Travel

• Travels throughout respective recovery area during scheduled day.
• Monday through Thursday, 4 10hour shifts.

Work Environment
The work is performed primarily in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related to a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Professional Appearance Standards
We are proud to foster a workplace that balances professionalism with personal comfort. Team members are expected to maintain a business casual appearance that reflects a clean and polished image.

Our standards permit:

• Natural hair colors
• Visible tattoos that are appropriate in nature
• Simple piercings, such as ear piercings and nose studs

All other piercings are not permitted during scheduled work hours; however, clear retainers may be worn in place of metal jewelry. Please note that certain roles may require designated uniforms or safety attire in accordance with job duties.

If you are comfortable adhering to these guidelines, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to welcoming motivated and professional individuals to our team.

As an equal opportunity employer, every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. Lions World Vision Institute does not discriminate based on race, color, sex/gender, political ideology, religion/creed, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, national origin, color, military or veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws. Lions World Vision Institute is committed to a diverse workforce and is also committed to a barrier-free employment process. In order to ensure reasonable accommodations with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, individuals that require accommodations in the job application process for a posted position may contact us at (800) 214-6356 for assistance. Lions World Vision Institute will use E-Verify once you have accepted the job offer and completed the Form I-9.

Current LWVI Employees should also contact the Human Resources department to notify them of your submission.

About Lions World Vision Institute
Lions World Vision Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to honoring vision as a basic human right. Our work extends around the globe and includes donor family and recipient support, advanced tissue preparation for transplant cases, innovative research and technology development, eye bank and surgeon training programs, pediatric vision services, and community-based education in local and international communities for those who are visually impaired. With our worldwide ecosystem of eye banks, surgeons, and research leaders, we work tirelessly to honor a donor’s gift by protecting and supporting sight restoration for hundreds of thousands of people—transforming lives around the world…. So the world can see.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person