Donor Recovery Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Perform any one or all of the routine processes (e.g. culturing, visual tissue assessment) in a laboratory setting, according to established procedures and guidelines. Ensure sterile culturing and handling of tissue at all times. Perform regular inspection and cleaning of lab equipment to ensure equipment is in good, working order. Monitor equipment maintenance schedule to ensure routine and repair service is performed as needed. In addition, provide support by receiving daily tissue shipments from offsite recovery locations. Will log donors into the internal database, review donor records for completeness, and notify Recovery Service Supervisor of additional information needed. Provide clerical support for the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process/culture human tissue in an aseptic processing environment (lab) according to standard operating procedures and work instructions using surgical instruments and machinery

• Perform any one or all of the routine tissue processes (e.g. culturing, visual tissue assessment), as per required specifications, within expected times in order to meet operational schedules
• Adhere to all policies and practices from the Quality Management System (QMS) based on company standards and regulatory standards for tissue processing
• Document results of each process performed, supplies used, etc. to maintain integrity and traceability of donor
• Review donor paperwork for completeness; identify and advise Recovery Service Supervisor if additional information is needed
• Initiate check-in process for received donor tissue and patient/medical records, forms
• Maintain accurate donor records and tracking logs related to tissue receipt, process, and shipment
• Enter relevant data and lot numbers into tissue donor record (may be electronic or paper-based)
• Ensure proper labeling and identification is maintained on quarantined tissue containers
• Identify and advise management of donor problems/issues with donor paperwork/collected tissue (i.e. incorrect labeling, missing paperwork, incomplete paperwork, etc.) and/or need for process improvements
• Monitor tissue processing/culture supplies and notify management when supplies are needed; restock supplies as needed
• Monitor level of recovery supplies and marketing materials; assist with shipping as needed
• Perform other clerical duties for team such as filing, photocopying, faxing, etc.
• Monitor, maintain, and clean Recovery processing areas and equipment
• Support and contribute new ideas to the continuous tissue processing improvement efforts

PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Performs simple, routine work
• Selects correct processes from clearly prescribed rules, past practices, or instruction
• Seeks advice and guidance on non-routine or problem areas from supervisor. Any deviations from the norm are cleared by the supervisor

DECISION MAKING/SCOPE OF AUTHORITY:

• Under close supervision, exercises limited latitude/independent judgement and decision making
• Work typically involves detailed checks or close review of output by a senior coworker and/or supervisor

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• HS Diploma or GED
• 0-2 years of experience in area of responsibility
• Prefer prior experience in biotech, pharma, medical or clean manufacturing
• Prefer knowledge of Good Documentation Practice (GDP), Good Tissue Practice (GTP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and AATB regulations

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
• Solid organization skills to support the efficiency of the Recovery laboratory operations
• Ability to effectively work and interact with all members of the laboratory, tissue processing, research & development, and tissue recovery functions
• Must show aptitude to develop appropriate skills needed for the job

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Process/culture human tissue is typically performed in a controlled laboratory environment. Will have contact/exposure with biohazardous materials, chemicals, and blood and human tissue. Training will be conducted on the handling and safety practices necessary for the use and disposal of hazardous chemicals and potential biohazards. Will also be trained on all applicable equipment needed to perform the job.
• Check-in process for received donor tissue is performed in office environment with exposure to sensitive information such as patients' medical records, and blood and human tissue samples
• A portion of time is also spent in a warehouse, unpacking the tissue shipment boxes. The temperature can vary from warm to cold, depending on the season. A portion of time is also spent in a large, walk-in refrigerator, where the temperature is maintained at 5C