Organ Preservationist Specialist

Organ Preservationist Specialist

Join Cleveland Clinic's Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world-class, and caregivers are family. Cleveland Clinic is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation. At Cleveland Clinic, you will work alongside passionate and dedicated caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

As an Organ Preservation Specialist, you will play a critical role in the success of life-saving transplant procedures by independently managing the preservation, evaluation and transport of donor organs. This position requires advanced sterile technique, technical expertise and sound judgment in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments. You will collaborate closely with transplant surgeons, operating room teams, organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and external partners to maximize organ viability and improve transplant outcomes. This role supports all abdominal transplant service lines and includes participation in lung, liver and kidney perfusion. It is an opportunity to work in one of the most specialized areas of transplant medicine and play a direct role in the organ's journey to transplantation.

The ideal candidate is conscientious, possesses a strong work ethic and is eager to learn and adapt to new and changing situations. You should be able to follow detailed instructions, communicate effectively and, once fully trained, confidently contribute to regulatory discussions, navigate the dynamic operating room environment and adapt to the understanding that the preservation role does not always "fit in a box."

A caregiver in this position works Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m., with occasional weekends, on-call and holiday requirements.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

• Perform aseptic preparation, flushing, packaging, labeling, and preservation of donor organs for transplantation and research.
• Support surgical teams during organ recovery procedures, including bench preparation.
• Evaluate organ condition during preservation and transport, documenting key observations to support transplant decision-making.
• Coordinate organ transport logistics, including required documentation, compliance, and communication with transplant centers and OPO partners.
• Ensure readiness, sterility, and availability of preservation solutions, equipment, and supplies for scheduled and emergent cases.
• Maintain strict adherence to sterile technique, safety standards, regulatory requirements (OPTN/UNOS), and institutional policies.
• Accurately document preservation activities, equipment performance, and quality metrics in designated systems.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and performance reporting to support continuous program improvement.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for operating room and clinical staff regarding organ preservation practices and protocols.
• Assist in training new staff.
• Occasionally travel via ground and air to provide on-call support for donor recovery and transplant operations.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Associate's degree in Allied Health, Biomedical Science, Surgical Technology, or related field
• Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) within two years of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within new hire period
• Demonstrated experience in a clinical, surgical, laboratory, or technical environment

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience in operating room support, organ preservation, perfusion, or transplant services
• Operating Room experience
• Familiarity with organ preservation devices and machine perfusion technology
• Knowledge of transplant regulatory policies and protocols

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity to use surgical equipment and to assist with surgical procedures.
• Normal or corrected vision.
• Must be able to be on call on a regular basis on weekends and during the week.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment.

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility.

If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration:

Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster.

Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.