POSITION SUMMARY
The position of Tissue Procurement Trainer for the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of significant responsibilities. The Tissue Procurement Trainer reports to the Director, Tissue Procurement Operations. The Tissue Procurement Trainer is a hands-on clinical leader responsible for supporting CORE's mission through direct participation in tissue and ocular recovery and by providing real-time training, coaching, and mentorship to Tissue Recovery Coordinators (TRCs). This role works primarily in the operating room, guiding staff through proper aseptic technique, donor prep, recovery procedures, and documentation standards.
The Tissue Procurement Trainer serves as Tissue On-Call (TOC) a minimum of four days per month and independently determines donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery following CORE Policy & Procedure, AATB, EBAA, and FDA current Good Tissue Practices.
This role participates in staff development, contributes to hiring and performance evaluation recommendations, delivers continuing education, and supports standardization of training across Tissue Procurement Operations. They must obtain CTBS certification within two year of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Provide hands-on training and clinical guidance to Tissue Recovery Coordinators during active donor recovery cases in the operating room, morgue, and affiliated facilities. Serve as a primary resource for aseptic technique, donor preparation, surgical instrumentation, documentation accuracy, and adherence to FDA current Good Tissue Practices. Lead recovery operations during assigned shifts by ensuring case readiness, effective communication, appropriate staffing, and high-quality donor management. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in AATB, FDA cGTP, EBAA, and CORE policies related to tissue, ocular, research, and organ recovery. Provide input into the selection, hiring, and development of new employees, and participate in internal audits, corrective action follow-up, and quality improvement initiatives. Support preceptor development and ensure a standardized, competency-based approach to training across all recovery staff. Maintain active membership in a professional organization and remain current with CTBS certification. Serve as a positive role model by consistently reinforcing CORE's mission, values, and professional standards.
When serving as Tissue On-Call the Tissue Procurement Trainer will:
Independently determine donor eligibility for tissue and ocular recovery using sound clinical judgment. Review DRAIs, laboratory results, medical and social history, hemodilution, autopsy clearance, and applicable regulatory criteria to support eligibility decisions. Assign staff appropriately to case activity while maintaining timely and effective communication with hospital partners, staff, leadership, and tissue processors while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely documentation by all assigned recovery staff.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
The Incumbent for the position of Tissue Procurement Trainer must have a solid background in the field of tissue recovery and strong understanding of organ perfusion, with two years of experience in both areas. They must possess a minimum of two years of experience with aseptic technique and must demonstrate a true commitment to the donation program. They must demonstrate the ability to teach, coach, and provide constructive feedback in a professional manner. They must demonstrate strong decision-making skills under pressure with consistent exercise of independent judgement. They must have the ability to successfully interact with all personality types and possess excellent verbal communication skills. They must be detail-oriented and demonstrate the ability to coordinate multiple on-going activities while managing day-to-day expectations. They must demonstrate professional commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
They must have the physical stamina to work long, unpredictable hours, including nights and weekends, and must be flexible to work in unpredictable situations. They must be able to lift sixty (60) pounds. They must have a valid PA state driver's license. They must have good manual dexterity and visual acuity. They must obtain CTBS certification within two year of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
The Tissue Procurement Trainer is responsible for providing supervisory knowledge and consistently exercises discretion and judgment. This position may provide hands-on clinical support during a recovery while independently serving as a Tissue on Call. They will be responsible for the recovery of tissues, corneas, and research from post-mortem donors within the CORE DSA. They will educate and provide training to Tissue Recovery Coordinators on procedures related to the recovery of tissue, corneas, and research from post-mortem donors. They will be responsible for the post-mortem care of CORE organ, tissue, and ocular donors. A minimum of a bachelor's degree is preferred; however, prior experience in an OPO or management experience may supplement the education level. They must obtain CTBS certification within two years of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.