Donor Eligibility Specialist - Iowa Lions Eye Bank
University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Donor Eligibility Specialist – Iowa Lions Eye Bank. The Donor Eligibility Specialist (PVA1; 4A) supports the daily operations of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank laboratory by evaluating donor information and determining donor and tissue suitability in accordance with FDA and EBAA standards. This position conducts detailed donor chart reviews, performs microscopic tissue assessments, and coordinates with medical and transplant professionals to ensure accurate eligibility determinations. The role also assists with laboratory procedures, including aseptic technique tasks, equipment cleaning, and data entry to support tissue preparation and distribution. The Donor Eligibility Specialist participates in performance improvement activities, maintains regulatory compliance, and contributes to on‑call coverage to facilitate timely donation processes. Additionally, the position supports ASED preparation, inventory management, and other operational tasks as needed to ensure high-quality clinical services.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Donor evaluation process
- Review donor medical records and enter appropriate information into ILEB’s donor database
- Perform microscopic evaluation of donor corneas/tissue
- Determine suitability of tissue for surgical use
- Liaison with healthcare/transplant professionals to facilitate the determination of donor eligibility
- Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to unique donor situations
- Review donor medical records and enter appropriate information into ILEB’s donor database
- Quality Assurance
- Participate in the performance improvement process
- Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and regulations governing the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, including but not limited to those set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Good Tissue Practices (GTP’s), Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the medical direction of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank
- Participate in the performance improvement process
- Administrator on-call (AOC) duties
- Acts as part of a team to take after hour call shifts including weekends and holidays
- Works directly with partner agencies and recovery personnel to maximize donation
- Availability to respond emergently to the office
- Acts as part of a team to take after hour call shifts including weekends and holidays
- Assist in the evaluation and distribution of donor eye tissue
- Assist with packaging/shipping of blood samples for serological testing
- Assist with the packaging and distribution of tissue
- Assist Processing Services staff as needed, including autoclaving instruments and performing data entry
- Assist with packaging/shipping of blood samples for serological testing
- Inventory control, supply and equipment management, including sterilization services, maintaining or exceeding the FDA’s CFR 1270 and 1271 EBAA (Eye Bank Association of America) Medical Standards
- Assist in tracking and stocking/ordering supplies in all ILEB locations
- Assist in assembling supply kits for various procedures including procedures performed in the field and within ILEB’s laboratory
- Assist with the cleaning of laboratory equipment
- Assist in tracking and stocking/ordering supplies in all ILEB locations
- Prepare and distribute ASEDs (Autologous Serum Eye Drops)
- Receive patients’ blood and spin down sample
- Dilute according to protocol
- Coordinate distribution of prepared ASEDs to patient including direct distribution to patient at ILEB and the shipping of prepared ASEDs
- Appropriately package and ship ASEDs to patients as needed
- Assist with the scheduling of ASED procedures and ensuring appropriate ASED supply levels at all ASED draw locations
- Act as liaison for external ASED preparations
- Receive patients’ blood and spin down sample
- Other duties as assigned
University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
Percent of Time: 100%
Schedule: Preferred schedule Sunday – Thursday, 0730 – 1600. Schedule may be modified to fit candidate and ILEB needs.
Location: BioVentures Center (2500 Crosspark Rd, Coralville IA 52241)
On Campus: This position is performed fully on campus.
Pay Level: 4A
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of one (1) year medical related program experience
- Ability to work on call after hours as needed including weekends and holidays.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required including, ability to compose communications and grammatically correct documents in a concise, logical and organized manner
- Demonstrate careful attention to detail and accuracy, strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks quickly and effectively, proactively establish priorities and meet deadlines
- Proficient in computer software applications (Microsoft Office Programs)
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 6 months’ experience with medical chart review
- Minimum of 6 months’ experience within the transplant profession
- Minimum of 6 months’ experience using aseptic technique in a laboratory/work setting
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple high importance tasks with urgent deadlines
- Experience working in a highly regulated environment
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and eligibility to operate motor vehicles under University standards
POSITION & APPLICATION DETAILS
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
Resume
Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
For additional questions, please contact Melissa Monhollon, HR Manager, at melissa-monhollon@uiowa.edu or 319-356-4674.
Applicant Resource Center
Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available!
Our Applicant Resource Center is now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital.
Hours:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Or by appointment
Contact TAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.edu to schedule an appointment or just stop by.
Visit the website for more information: Application Resource Center | University of Iowa Health Care
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
