Eye Tissue Retrieval Specialist

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an Eye Tissue Retrieval Specialist & Donor Coordinator (internally known as Eye Bank Coordinator) to be based in Grafton, Auckland. This is a multifaceted and essential role within the New Zealand National Eye Bank, a non-profit organisation based within the University of Auckland and partially funded by the Ministry of Health.

You will join a small, five-person team running a vital donation programme that provides over 300 corneas for transplant and more than 200 other tissues for eye surgery across New Zealand each year. You will be the linchpin of our operation, performing surgical, technical, coordination, and sensitive administrative duties to secure and supply donated eye tissues for transplant and research.

This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range is between $75,000 and $82,000 per annum, negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.

This position requires a unique blend of technical precision, emotional resilience, and meticulous attention to detail. Flexibility is essential to fulfil paid, rostered on-call duties outside standard business hours to provide a 24/7 service, in addition to your regular Monday-to-Friday work. Your core responsibilities will include: 

• Perform Minor Surgeries (Tissue Retrieval): You will be responsible for performing minor surgical procedures on deceased eye donors to retrieve eye tissues.
• Compassionate Key Contact (Donor Liaison): This involves acting as a crucial contact for the public during highly sensitive times. You will coordinate referrals and sensitively liaise with newly bereaved families to obtain consent for eye donations, which requires excellent interpersonal skills to communicate professionally and empathetically.
• Laboratory Technician Work (Processing & Testing): You will perform essential technical work, including the processing, storing, testing, and evaluation of extracted tissues in the laboratory environment. On-the-job training is provided where required, but relevant technical experience is sought.
• Administration, Booking, and Compliance: You will manage the booking logistics, maintain transplant schedules and ensure the distribution of suitable tissue to hospitals. This includes ensuring conformance to quality system requirements for all procedures and managing all health and safety documentation.

A full description of your duties and the role is provided in the position description linked HERE.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking a proactive, highly accurate, and resilient individual who excels at working independently and as part of a small team. This role requires versatility, as you must be technically proficient for minor surgical procedures and laboratory work, while also possessing the deep empathy required to act as a compassionate key contact for newly bereaved families.

You will need to demonstrate proven experience in environments that require both meticulous administration, booking, and strict compliance (including health and safety) and sensitive human interaction. This role is ideal for professionals from backgrounds such as Healthcare (e.g., nursing), biomedical science, or health service provision.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Qualifications: A degree or equivalent tertiary qualification in nursing, biomedical, or health service provision.
• Technical Expertise: Proven minor surgical and/or technical laboratory skills, alongside prior experience working in a lab, or medical environment.
• Empathy and Communication: Experience in the care of newly bereaved people in highly stressed states, responding with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
• Compliance and Logistics: Experience with health and safety compliance in a medical or laboratory environment, coupled with demonstrated administration and booking experience.
• Driving Licence: A current, full driving licence is essential, as travel is required for on-call duties.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university. We employ more than 5,400 staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ's largest employers. We offer you the opportunity to join a dynamic, world-class institution in one of the world's most desirable cities.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards hard work with a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%.
• Paid car parking.
• On-call and overtime payments.
• Leading and inclusive parental leave options.
• Career development programmes and discounted on-site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Tuesday, 4 November 2025. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining your interest in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note: we reserve the right to close the advertisement early should we receive a high volume of strong applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you are considered.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Kaylum Stroman (Recruitment Consultant) at [email protected]

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to