Scientific Practitioner

NHS; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Liverpool is seeking scientific practitioners to support its Fertility Centre. This permanent role involves semen analyses, egg collections, and lab maintenance. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor of Science in life sciences, excellent communication skills, and teamwork experience. Familiarity with clinical embryology is a plus. This position requires flexibility and may involve working across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory environments is essential.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support andrologists and embryologists in laboratory procedures.
• Perform egg collections, semen analysis, and sperm preparations.
• Maintain cleanliness in laboratory settings.
• Participate in patient treatment for high risk diseases.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in life sciences

Job description

Overview

Two scientific practitioners are sought to support The Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool on a permanent basis. Successful applicants will participate in semen analyses, semen preparations and oocyte collections, along with routine laboratory preparation and maintenance. Experience in clinical embryology/andrology laboratories and familiarity with the HFEA code of practice are welcomed but not essential. Applicants should be personable with excellent communication skills and capable of liaising with patients and colleagues as part of a team. Cover at both Liverpool and Knutsford sites may be required.

Main duties

• Provide support to the andrologists and embryologists at The Hewitt Fertility Centres and perform laboratory procedures including oocyte collections and semen preparations while maintaining laboratory cleanliness and tidiness.

Job responsibilities

• To become fully proficient in, and to perform egg collections, semen analysis and sperm preparations, IVF inseminations and other procedures associated with therapeutic treatment provided by the Hewitt Fertility Centre.
• To participate in the treatment of patients with known high risk diseases (e.g., Hepatitis B and C and HIV).
• To undertake the formal witnessing of procedures as required by the HFEA to ensure correct identification of patients, gametes (oocytes and sperm) and fresh and frozen embryos.
• To become fully proficient in, and to perform preparation and setting up for treatment cycles.
• To be proficient in the computer database systems used by the Hewitt Fertility Centre and carry out required administrative duties associated with the embryology laboratory.
• To assist in maintaining clean room laboratories to the highest degree of cleanliness and tidiness.
• To perform daily equipment audits to ensure functioning correctly and within critical parameters.
• To assist with daily stock-monitoring and weekly stock and consumable checks within the Embryology Laboratory and to receive and record deliveries.
• To assist with monitoring and maintaining liquid nitrogen storage facilities, handling liquid nitrogen and storage vessels in accordance with safe practice.
• To receive and direct gametes from patients and collect requisite identifying information and other data.
• To liaise with Clinical Embryologists, Hewitt Centre staff and other hospital staff to convey information accurately and timely.
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide high standards of patient care.
• To participate in the demonstration of procedures during induction of new staff.
• To participate in external QA (UKNEQAS) schemes to maintain UKAS accreditation.
• To work flexibly, including out of hours and on weekends, across all Hewitt Fertility Centre sites.
• To assist in the Embryology Laboratory audit requirements.
• To follow procedures, standards and protocols to ensure the best clinical outcomes with meticulous attention to detail.
• To perform all duties in accordance with the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act (1990) and the Code of Practice issued by the HFEA and other relevant regulation.
• To work in Hewitt Centre Laboratories at other hospitals as required (Knutsford, Leighton Hospital Crewe and Ormskirk General Hospital).
• To undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post.

Qualifications

• Essential – Bachelor of Science Degree in life sciences (or an equivalent qualification) from an EU University; alternative degrees or other qualifications may be acceptable.

Professional requirements

• Essential – To become a member of the Association of Clinical Embryologists.
• Essential – To complete theoretical and practical training modules in line with the HFC in-house training programme.

Experience

• Essential – Working within a laboratory environment.
• Essential – Able to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Desirable – NHS experience.
• Desirable – Experience within assisted conception and reproductive medicine.
• Desirable – Previous experience as part of a multidisciplinary team.

About us

Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust delivers high standards of care for women, babies and families. It performs tens of thousands of procedures annually and has a strong focus on research, innovation and specialist women’s health services.

Details

• Date posted: 18 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: 4
• Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Location: Hewitt Fertility Centres, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS
• Reference: 159-LWH-204-25

Job locations include Hewitt Fertility Centres, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and may require working at other Hewitt sites as needed.