Senior Embryologist

Complete Fertility; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Complete Fertility in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Embryologist to support the Laboratory Director and lead the embryology team. You will perform routine and advanced embryology procedures including IVF, ICSI, embryo assessment and biopsy, while upholding patient care, quality assurance and regulatory standards.

The role involves contributing to service development, training junior staff, maintaining accurate records and ensuring high standards across the assisted conception pathway.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine and advanced embryology procedures in accordance with clinic policies, competency requirements and regulatory standards.
• Perform a range of embryology procedures including IVF, ICSI, oocyte and embryo assessment, embryo culture, embryo transfer, cryopreservation and warming of gametes and embryos, sperm preparation and cryopreservation, embryo biopsy and the processing of surgically retrieved sperm samples.
• Maintain competency in all authorised laboratory procedures and undertake additional training as required.
• Support the planning and delivery of treatment cycles, including patients undergoing PGT-A cycles.
• Monitor laboratory outcomes and contribute to maintaining high standards of clinical performance.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner.
• Complete witnessing procedures in accordance with clinic requirements and regulatory standards.
• Provide support and guidance to trainee embryologists and less experienced members of the laboratory team.
• Contribute to the efficient day-to-day operation of the laboratory and support the provision of high-quality patient care throughout the treatment pathway.

Job description

Manager, Laboratory team, fertility patients and fertility multidisciplinary team

Hours of work:

37.5 hours per week

Main purpose:

To support the Laboratory Director in the delivery of a high-quality embryology and andrology service. The Senior Embryologist is responsible for undertaking all aspects of clinical embryology practice, including advanced procedures such as embryo biopsy for PGT-A, whilst maintaining the highest standards of patient care, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. The post holder will contribute to the achievement of excellent clinical outcomes, support the multidisciplinary team in the provision of a comprehensive assisted conception service, participate in service development and quality improvement activities, and maintain continuing professional development within the field of Clinical Embryology.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine and advanced embryology procedures in accordance with clinic policies, competency requirements and regulatory standards.
• Perform a range of embryology procedures including IVF, ICSI, oocyte and embryo assessment, embryo culture, embryo transfer, cryopreservation and warming of gametes and embryos, sperm preparation and cryopreservation, embryo biopsy and the processing of surgically retrieved sperm samples.
• Maintain competency in all authorised laboratory procedures and undertake additional training as required.
• Support the planning and delivery of treatment cycles, including patients undergoing PGT-A cycles.
• Monitor laboratory outcomes and contribute to maintaining high standards of clinical performance.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner.
• Complete witnessing procedures in accordance with clinic requirements and regulatory standards.
• Provide support and guidance to trainee embryologists and less experienced members of the laboratory team.
• Contribute to the efficient day-to-day operation of the laboratory and support the provision of high-quality patient care throughout the treatment pathway.

Quality, Governance and Compliance

• Work in accordance with clinic policies, laboratory procedures, regulatory requirements and professional standards.
• Contribute to the quality management system through participation in audits, service improvement initiatives and quality assurance activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation, ensuring compliance with traceability and record-keeping requirements.
• Support cryostorage management activities, including the monitoring, auditing and maintenance of stored gametes, embryos and reproductive tissues.
• Support the accurate collection, validation and reporting of laboratory and clinical data, including submissions to the HFEA through PRISM.
• Participate in equipment qualification, validation and verification activities as required.
• Monitor laboratory performance and contribute to the review of outcomes and key performance indicators.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and support the ongoing development of laboratory services.
• Ensure compliance with HFEA requirements, consent provisions and all relevant legislation and professional guidance.

Leadership, Training and Team Responsibilities

• Support the Laboratory Director in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and contribute to the effective delivery of laboratory services.
• Act as a senior member of the team, demonstrating professional standards, good laboratory practice and a commitment to high-quality patient care.
• Assist with the induction, training, supervision and development of trainee embryologists, STP trainees and other laboratory staff.
• Provide guidance, support and practical expertise to less experienced members of the laboratory team.
• Support the maintenance and development of competencies in laboratory procedures, including advanced techniques where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Participate in competency assessments and training activities in accordance with laboratory requirements.
• Contribute to team meetings, service developments, audits and departmental projects.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of a comprehensive assisted conception service.
• Deputise for senior laboratory colleagues as required, ensuring continuity of service and supporting the smooth operation of the laboratory.

Research, Development and Continuing Professional Development

• Maintain and develop professional knowledge and competence through regular continuing professional development activities.
• Keep up to date with developments in reproductive medicine and clinical embryology.
• Participate in research, audits, presentations and service improvement projects as required.
• Contribute to the introduction and evaluation of new technologies and techniques where appropriate.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Adhere to all clinic policies and procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and scope of the post.

This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be amended from time to time to meet the changing needs of the service and organisation.