TheSolid Organ Preservationistplays a critical, handson role in saving lives by preserving donor organs outside the body usingcuttingedge machine perfusion technology. This position sits at the intersection of surgery, critical care, and innovationsupporting transplant teams by ensuring donor organs remain viable, functional, and transplantready.
Working sidebyside with transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and organ procurement teams, you will operate advanced perfusion platforms (includingOrganOx and TransMedics) to support liver and other solid organ transplants. This is a highly specialized, highimpact clinical role whereyour expertise directly expands transplant opportunities for patients.
Due to the timesensitive nature of transplantation, this role includes rotatingoncall coverage, nights, weekends, and holidays.
What Youll Do
Preserve Life Outside the Body
Independently set up, operate, and manage machine perfusion systems to maintain donor organ viability prior to transplantation.
Supportnormothermic and hypothermic organ perfusion, allowing more organs to be successfully transplanted.
Operate Advanced Perfusion Technology
Utilize stateoftheart perfusion devices such asOrganOx, TransMedics, and LifePort Kidney Pumpsystems.
Calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain perfusion equipment before, during, and after each use.
Prepare & Cannulate Donor Organs
Assist with sterile preparation and cannulation of donor organs.
Secure organs to perfusion circuits to ensure continuous oxygenated perfusion.
Monitor, Assess, and Respond in Real Time
Continuously monitor flows, pressures, temperatures, and biochemical markers.
Interpret data, recognize early signs of organ dysfunction, and collaborate with physicians to intervene when needed.
Respond rapidly and calmly to alarms or changes in perfusion status.
Collaborate with Elite Transplant Teams
Work closely with transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, transplant coordinators, and OPO partners.
Communicate realtime updates on organ condition and escalate concerns without delay.
Seamlessly integrate perfusion workflows into transplant surgeries.
Be There When It Matters Most
Participate in a rotating24/7 oncall schedule.
Respond on short notice to donor organ arrivalsincluding nights, weekends, and holidays.
Thrive in fastpaced, highstakes clinical environments where timing is critical.
Document & Advance the Program
Accurately document perfusion parameters, medications, labs, and observations.
Support data collection for quality improvement, outcomes tracking, and program development.
Contribute to protocol refinement and emerging best practices in organ preservation.
Maintain the Highest Standards
Uphold strict aseptic technique and hospital safety standards.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, hospital, and manufacturer requirements.
Represent the transplant program with professionalism and integrity.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist, or Surgical Assistant program, OR a Bachelors degree in a relevant health science field required.
Experience: 2+ years of experience in a surgical, critical care, or transplant setting required.
Licensure: See Requisition for Certification/Licensure requirements.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/traveling, climbing (ladder, steps) and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive). Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull > 100lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, fumes, heat, noise, cold, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.
The starting base rate for this role is $43.04 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as High Performing in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Childrens is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
