Here at the Lions Eye Institute, we genuinely care about people. We want every day to be a day that brings us one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal – to prevent and cure blindness and eye disease. We want you to join us on our journey, by assisting us in achieving this goal.
The Opportunity
Lions Eye Institute has an exciting new opportunity for a Transplant Coordinator – Research Fellow to join us on a full-time, Fixed term (with potential extension) basis.
Working collaboratively with other Transplant Coordinators at Lions Eye Bank, this position ensures an adequate supply of corneas and sclera for therapeutic transplant throughout Western Australia through the retrieval, evaluation and distribution of human eye tissue.
This position involves learning the technical and administrative functions necessary to perform the role of a transplant coordinator in the eye banking sector, as well as contributing to the research program of the eye bank.
Key responsibilities include:
General:
* Participate in competency-based education program for position, based on cGMP principles;
* Participate in the retrieval and manufacturing processes of ocular tissue for transplantation and research;
* Release, allocate and distribute ocular tissue;
* Support administrative running of the Eye Bank, including but not limited to: Billing reports; entering tissue requests; maintaining accurate donor records; monthly waitlist management; ordering of office and laboratory supplies.
* Maintain quality documents in Eye Bank Quality management system
* Plan and carry out experiments as required on research tissue, maintain and analyse data, present research work as required;
* Communication Skills: ability to clearly document and communicate relevant information; ability to liaise with other health care providers; ability to write research manuscripts, research ethics and grant applications
Retrieval and Management of Donor Tissue:
* Identify and evaluate potential donors with DonateLife personnel
* Take blood samples and manage serology requests
* Evaluate and process eye tissue as per Eye Bank standard procedures
* Perform enucleation to retrieve donated eye tissue from all locations
* Prepare tissue for surgery
Laboratory:
* Media manufacture
* Sample media for sterility and microbiological testing
* Clean and package instruments for sterilisation
* Order laboratory supplies
* Prepare packs and instruments for enucleation and tissue processing
Research:
* Coordinate and conduct research experiments and support research activities'
* Collect and analyse experimental data and evaluate relevance of data
* Prepare and submit manuscripts and reports for publication
* Preparation of ethics applications and annual reports relevant to the research projects
* Assisting in the preparation and review of grant applications
* Present results in department seminars and at external scientific meetings
Essential Criteria:
* Positive attitude towards Organ and Tissue donation
* Completion of a PhD or Masters in ocular immunology or biomedical sciences with experience in conducting laboratory based research
* Demonstrated high level skills in medical research
* Demonstrated evidence of written communications skills with a track record in publishing in high quality journals
* Experience in data handling, collection, analysis and knowledge of statistical analysis methods
* Sound verbal and written communication skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills, strong client focus and the ability to maintain confidentiality
* Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a small team
* Demonstrated organisational and time management skills, thoroughness and careful attention to detail
Desirable:
* Skills in dissection highly advantageous
* Knowledge of ophthalmology terminology
* An understanding of the regulatory and legislative frameworks/ requirements for eye donation, processing and banking in WA/Australia highly desirable
Conditions of Employment:
* Must have a driver's licence and car
* Participate in the weekday and weekend on-call roster
* Standard working hours Monday to Friday (08:30 – 16:30)
* Actively supports LEI Policies and Procedures
* Commitment to the philosophy and values of the Lions Eye Institute and Lions Eye Bank of WA.
* Integration of LEI values of Integrity, Care, Curiosity, Impact and Unity in all work practices
In return we will offer:
* Individual Employment Fixed term contract with potential to extend
* Opportunity to salary package
* Paid staff parking
* Fortnightly Mobile Phone allowance when rostered on-call
If this sounds like an exciting opportunity that aligns with your experience and career goals, click on the APPLY button to submit your application for this position. For further enquiries or job specific details, please email the recruitment team at:
We strongly promote a culture of diversity and inclusion at Lions Eye Institute. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants will be required to provide a current National Police Clearance.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.