Summary: Surgical Specialist
This position supports organ research programs through on-call cannulation, surgical preparation, and initiation of ex vivo perfusion workflows. The role requires technical proficiency, adaptability, and the ability to operate in dynamic procedural environments with rapid decision-making. Availability for on-call cases, including nights, weekends, and short-notice acceptances, is essential.
Responsibilities:
- Perform or assist with cannulation of donor organs and establish vascular access for ex vivo perfusion circuits.
- Support organ procurement and back-table preparation in coordination with research teams.
- Collaborate with perfusionists and research staff to ensure timely initiation of perfusion workflows.
- Troubleshoot anatomical and technical challenges impacting flow and cannulation in real time.
- Maintain sterile technique and adhere to clinical, research, and regulatory standards throughout each case.
- Participate in on-call coverage, including nights, weekends, and short-notice case acceptances.
- Communicate case updates and relevant observations to team members in a clear and timely manner.
- Document cannulation procedures, case timelines, and technical issues, and support continuous improvement of surgical protocols.
Qualifications:
- Clinical training in a relevant field such as Surgery, Surgical Assistant, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or equivalent procedural specialty.
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree required.
- Strong working knowledge of human anatomy, vascular structures, and organ handling.
- Demonstrated experience with sterile technique and procedural environments.
- Experience with organ procurement, transplant surgery, vascular cannulation, or similar procedures strongly preferred.
- Ability to perform or assist with vascular access and cannulation in time-sensitive settings.
- Comfort working in high-acuity, fast-paced environments with variable conditions.
- Strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills related to anatomy and flow dynamics.
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Willingness to respond to on-call cases with short notice.
- Experience in transplant surgery, organ procurement, or surgical recovery procedures preferred.
- Hands-on experience with vascular cannulation, back-table preparation, and organ handling preferred.
- Prior experience with ex vivo organ perfusion systems (liver, lung, or kidney) preferred.
- Experience working in high-acuity procedural or surgical environments preferred.
- Background in translational research or preclinical/clinical study support preferred.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing business needs and embrace feedback for continuous improvement.
