Organ Preservationist Specialist

                    

At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day.

                        

We all have the power to help, heal and change lives — beginning with our own. That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One.

                                    

Job Title

Organ Preservationist Specialist

                        

Location

Cleveland

                    

Facility

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

                     

Department

Transplant Center-Main Campus Hospital

                      

Job Code

C19007

                     

Shift

Nights

                       

Schedule

6:00pm-7:30am

                       

Job Summary

                         

Job Details

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