Clinical Embryologist

Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Liverpool is seeking a qualified embryologist to perform critical laboratory procedures associated with fertility treatments. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team, handle patient communications, and maintain high standards in embryo handling and storage. Candidates should have HCPC registration and experience in an embryology setting, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to patient care.

Qualifications

• Must possess HCPC registration.
• Experience in an embryology laboratory setting required.
• Familiarity with HFEA Code of Practice essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory procedures for diagnostic treatment services.
• Conduct embryo storage audits and maintain storage integrity.
• Ensure compliance with HFEA regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Clinical workload management

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

HCPC registration

Experience in Embryology laboratory

Job description

Overview

To perform all laboratory procedures associated with the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment services provided by the Hewitt Fertility Centres including semen analysis, sperm preparation (including donor, and surgically retrieved testicular and epididymal sperm), oocyte and embryo handling, gamete (ejaculated and surgically retrieved sperm) and embryo cryopreservation, clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), time-lapse technologies and other micromanipulation techniques. To select embryos best suited for embryo transfer and cryopreservation. To participate in the treatment of patients with known high risk diseases (eg HIV, Hepatitis B & Hep C). To convey, where necessary, relevant details of treatment to patients in a clear, concise, and understanding manner and to suggest alternative treatments if and when necessary. To counsel patients regarding the implications of treatment options to ensure correct information is given and relevant questions answered properly to assist informed decision-making. To break bad news to patients and counsel them regarding outcomes and further treatment options.

Responsibilities

• To participate in annual embryo storage audits and assist with the system of contact for patients with embryos in storage.
• To maintain liquid nitrogen storage vessels ensuring stored material integrity, including handling of liquid nitrogen and manual handling of storage vessels in accordance with accepted safe practice.
• To perform all duties in accordance with the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act (1990) and the Code of Practice issued by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, and any other relevant regulation.
• To undertake the formal witnessing of procedures as required by the HFEA to ensure correct identification of patients, gametes, and embryos, and to ensure informed consent (in accordance with the HFEA) is in place prior to any treatments.
• To anticipate and handle day-to-day workload and ensure that preparations and procedures are performed effectively and to a high standard with meticulous attention to detail.
• To work flexibly, including out-of-hours work and weekend rota across all Hewitt Fertility Centre sites.
• To perform a daily audit of all equipment to ensure functioning within critical parameters and participate in maintenance and cleaning of embryology and laboratory areas.
• To liaise with centres outside of the Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust regarding workload, treatment outcomes, and transfer of gametes or embryos between centres.
• To critically analyse and audit laboratory performance and perform accurate data collection as required by the Hewitt Fertility Centre and the HFEA.
• To liaise with colleagues and other healthcare professionals ensuring information is conveyed accurately and timely.
• To actively participate in the development and maintenance of research within the Hewitt Fertility Centre and disseminate findings locally, nationally, and internationally.
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest possible standard of care.
• To assist in training and supervision of trainees and less experienced staff and participate in demonstrations during induction of new staff.
• To provide Andrology cover when short-staffed by performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the Andrology laboratory.
• To participate in external QC (UK NEQAS) in accordance with WHO and ISO 15189 standards to maintain UKAS accreditation.
• To be proficient with the computer database systems used by the Hewitt Fertility Centre and carry out required administrative duties in the embryology laboratory.
• To follow procedures, standards and protocols to ensure best possible clinical outcomes and high standards of performance with meticulous attention to detail.

Qualifications and Experience

• HCPC registration is a must; applicants with HCPC registration are encouraged to apply.
• Experience performing clinical workload within an Embryology laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with the HFEA Code of Practice.
• Successful applicants should be personable with excellent communication skills and be willing to participate in weekend and on-call rota; time-lapse technologies experience is desirable.
• Part-time employment will be considered; cover at both Liverpool and Knutsford sites may be required.

Additional Information

• Band 7 role; Liverpool Women’s NHS FT is part of the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG).
• Deliveries include approximately 7,500 babies per year, around 50,000 gynaecological procedures, care for over 1,000 newborns, about 1,000 IVF cycles, and over 4,000 genetic appointments.
• Public information about the organisation and recruitment is provided at links such as video and recruitment brochures.
• Postings note internal staff eligibility; applicants should confirm employment within the application form.
• Note on Home Office immigration sponsorship for Band 2 and 3 roles with salaries under £25,000 per annum.
• Trust policies include safeguarding, DBS fee deduction, commitment to equality and diversity, zero tolerance for aggression, and flexible working.
• New entrants to the NHS normally commence on the first paypoint of the relevant band.