Ocular Tissue Recovery Specialist

Details

Open Date
12/10/2025

Requisition Number
PRN16607N

Job Title
PS Eye Bank Technician

Working Title
Ocular Tissue Recovery Specialist

Career Progression Track
C

Track Level
FLSA Code
Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code?
Yes

Type
Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary?
No

Standard Hours per Week
As Needed

Full Time or Part Time?
Part Time

Shift
Day

Work Schedule Summary
Days 5am-2pm, on-call coverage

Days 7am-5pm, on-call coverage

Is this a work study job?
No

VP Area
U of U Health - Academics

Department
Ophthalmology-Services

Location
Campus

City
Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment
External Posting

Pay Rate Range
$15.00-$19.22

Close Date
01/10/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The Per-Diem Tissue Recovery Specialist is responsible for the excision of ocular tissue from deceased donors for the intent of transplantation and/or medical research. The role entails driving to the recovery site (e.g., Office of the Medical Examiners, funeral homes, hospitals), performing necessary assessments of the donor, performing the ocular excision procedure, and proper delivery of procured tissue to the correct facility. Additional responsibilities related to the recovery department may be assigned by the Recovery Manager based on recovery tier status.

Responsibilities
The
Per-Diem Tissue Recovery Specialist
will be responsible for:

• Maintaining a valid driver's license during time of employment.
• Driving to and from the recovery location in a safe and timely manner.
• Performing a detailed physical assessment of the potential donor; documenting any visible signs of communicable diseases.
• Observing the posterior side of the donor by rolling the cadaver, and/or lifting extremities.
• Drawing Cadaveric blood; or obtaining pre-transfused samples from the admitting hospital when necessary.
• Performing sterile corneoscleral excision and aseptic preservation of tissue for the intent of transplantation.
• Performing non-sterile whole eye enucleation for the intent of medical research.
• Assisting in the proper field training of new Tissue Recovery Specialist employees on proper technique, documentation, and technical skills.
• Conducting professional interactions with referring hospitals, funeral homes, law enforcement agencies, DonorConnect, and the Office of the Medical Examiners.
• Maintaining a competent level of understanding of Standard Operating Procedures associated with the recovery department of the Utah Lions Eye Bank.
• Completing annual Bridge/ LMS training per University of Utah Health Academics policy.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. Certification as an Eye Bank Technician, Ophthalmic Technician or Tissue Bank Specialist is preferred. Experience with aseptic technique and medical terminology also preferred.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences
Knowledge , Skills , And Ability

• Possess knowledge of all University of Utah Health/ ULEB / FDA / EBAA Policies and Procedures.
• Know and follow current hospital and Office of the Medical Examiner procedures regarding organ/tissue donation in accordance with current FDA / KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS , AND ABILITY
• Possess knowledge of all University of Utah Health/ ULEB / FDA / EBAA Policies and Procedures.
• Know and follow current hospital and the Office of the Medical Examiners procedures regarding organ/tissue donation in accordance with current FDA / EBAA / OME / ULEB Policies and Procedures.
• Uphold University Health Academics core values by adhering to the PROMISE standards.
• Obtain and apply general medical knowledge in the determination of donor eligibility.
• Demonstrate human relations and collaborative communication skills.
• Maintain donor confidentiality.
• Interact with partner agencies in a professional and customer-oriented friendly manner.
• PC & Microsoft Office skills encompassing excellent data entry abilities.
• Must be available to cover a minimum of 3 eight – ten-hour shifts within a weekly timeframe.
• Ability to tolerate strong smells and graphic/traumatic visuals.

Special Instructions Summary
Must be available in the afternoon during the training process. A transition to nights will occur after the completion of training.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at or or University Human Resource Management at if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:

Online reports may be submitted at

This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.