Laboratory Director

The Fertility Partners; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fertility healthcare provider in Canada is seeking a Laboratory Director to manage embryology and andrology laboratories. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have significant experience in advanced ART procedures and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include leading laboratory teams, ensuring quality performance, and managing operations. This role necessitates strong technical judgement and interpersonal skills. A CFAS certification as an Embryologist is strongly advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of hands-on experience in human embryology and/or andrology.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced ART procedures.
• Strong regulatory and quality compliance experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all lab operations and regulatory compliance.
• Manage laboratory performance metrics and ensure high-quality standards.
• Recruit and develop laboratory staff to enhance team performance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical judgment

Communication skills

Operational management

Team-building

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

Job description

Laboratory Director – Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Reports To: Vice President, Laboratory Operations

Works Closely With: Medical Director and Clinic Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a Laboratory Director to lead our embryology and andrology laboratories. This individual will be responsible for the overall technical, operational, regulatory, and quality performance of the laboratory, ensuring outcomes meet or exceed industry benchmarks and clinical standards.

This is a senior leadership role requiring deep technical expertise in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), strong regulatory acumen, and demonstrated success building and leading high-performing laboratory teams.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Perform and validate advanced ART procedures including ICSI, assisted hatching, embryo biopsy for genetic testing, oocyte retrieval support, cryopreservation and vitrification of gametes and embryos, embryo thawing, fertilization and embryo assessment, semen analysis and preparation, and related procedures.
• Oversee validation and implementation of new laboratory technologies and methodologies.
• Supervise, train, assess competency, and authorize laboratory personnel.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of laboratory documentation and electronic records.
• Monitor laboratory performance metrics and pregnancy outcomes to ensure alignment with best-in-class standards.

Regulatory & Quality Oversight

• Maintain laboratory accreditation in good standing.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, provincial/state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Maintain inspection readiness at all times.
• Lead quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programs.
• Oversee proficiency testing and corrective action processes.
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory and accrediting agencies.

Operational Management

• Ensure reliable test systems, accurate methodologies, and safe equipment operation.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and capital equipment evaluation.
• Manage laboratory inventory and supply chain processes.
• Investigate and resolve laboratory-related incidents, complaints, and operational concerns.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and facility planning.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management of laboratory staff.
• Establish clear accountability structures and competency frameworks.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular team meetings and maintain transparent communication practices.

Financial Oversight

• Participate in development and management of annual laboratory operating and capital budgets.
• Manage departmental expenditures within approved budgets.
• Support accurate billing processes related to laboratory services.

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum PhD in chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or a related discipline.

Certification

• CFAS certification as an Embryologist is considered strongly advantageous.
• Candidates who do not currently hold CFAS certification will be expected to obtain it within a defined timeframe following hire.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of hands‑on experience in human embryology and/or andrology.
• Laboratory leadership or supervisory experience is strongly advantageous.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced ART procedures.
• Experience participation in accreditation, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with senior clinical and operational leadership.

Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and clinical decision‑making capability.
• Demonstrated leadership presence and team‑building ability.
• Financial and operational management acumen.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a high‑acuity, time‑sensitive clinical environment.

Working Environment

• Laboratory setting with temperature control.
• Exposure to biological materials and laboratory equipment.
• Requires fine motor dexterity for micromanipulation procedures.
• May require occasional extended hours based on clinical demands.
• Requires participation in weekend rotation

Aurora is currently in the process of integrating 100% EmbryoScope timelapse culture permitting optimal culture conditions and efficiency in the embryology laboratory. The clinic is growing and operates within the support structure of The Fertility Partners.