Senior Clinical Embryologist (Fixed Term 1 Year) (London)
2 days ago
London
ABOUT US We are part of a leading international group of fertility specialists, including CREATE Fertility and IVI London, providing world-class reproductive healthcare across the UK. Our clinics are at the forefront of innovation, offering Natural and Mild IVF meaning, gentler, safer approaches that use little to no fertility medication alongside a full range of advanced treatments, including IVF, IUI, ICSI and fertility preservation. Together, we are committed to evidence-based treatments, cutting-edge technology and personalised, patient-focused care helping to give every patient the best possible chance of success. JOB PURPOSE The Senior Embryologist participates in the provision of laboratory services for assisted reproduction treatments, diagnostic andrology, and cryobanking of gametes/embryos in accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Act and relevant professional Codes of Conduct. The Senior Clinical Embryologist maintains full and proper records, as well as participating in data analysis, audit and research to ensure a high quality of services is provided to patients. The Senior Clinical Embryologist must be HPC registered and maintain registration throughout the term of the job. JOB DIMENSIONS The Senior Embryologist must practise using effective self-management of workload, whilst working both within the embryology team and the wider unit team. In addition to embryological duties, it is expected that the Senior Embryologist will provide supervision of trainees (under the guidance of the Lead Embryologist), as well as taking responsibility for a defined area of work under the direction of the Lead Embryologist. The Senior Embryologist must have: • a detailed knowledge of the fundamental biology and scientific evidence that underpins clinical embryology practice;, • an understanding of the work of related disciplines;, • an understanding of all prevailing legislation, including the HF&E Act (and subsequent revisions), Health and Safety policies, COSHH guidelines for handling of gas and liquid nitrogen, • a detailed knowledge of, and ability to apply, quality assurance and monitoring of laboratory performance as per the Quality Manual;, • the ability to communicate highly sensitive and/or complex information effectively to colleagues, patients and other disciplines. In addition, the post holder must adhere to the HFEA Code of Practice, WHO guidelines for semen analysis, and the Association of Clinical Embryologists’ Professional Code of Conduct. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Research and Development • To develop new processes and procedures in collaboration with other centres/scientists where applicable., • To train other embryologists in new techniques and processes., • To act as trainer and speaker in meetings and training courses as appropriate., • To conduct basic science research in the field of follicular maturation and embryology., • To write scientific papers for peer reviewed publications., • Present data at scientific meetings Clinical Embryology • To perform the relevant IVF procedures and laboratory duties according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures, and within the HF&E Act and other applicable regulation, in such a manner as to promote and safeguard the best interests of patients, and their gametes and embryos in their trust. IVF procedures include:, • oocyte retrieval and preparation for insemination, • diagnostic semen analysis, • sperm preparation for IUI, IVF and ICSI, • preparation of surgically retrieved sperm samples, • insemination techniques, including ICSI, • assessment of fertilisation and, • embryo culture and assessment to the blastocyst stage where relevant, • embryo transfer, • gamete and embryo cryopreservation, • Embryo biopsy and interpretation of PGT results, • To be available to respond to the lab alarms and be fully aware of the emergency procedures and protocols where necessary., • to analyse complex data to evaluate sperm, egg and embryo quality in order to direct patient treatment, making decisions and taking responsibility for planning and undertaking IVF procedures, • to ensure that proper written consent is gained before any embryological procedures are carried out, • to consult directly with patients on a daily basis, giving results and informing patients of the progress of their treatment, including numbers of eggs fertilising and timing of embryo transfer; where necessary, this will include discussing changes in treatment options (for example based on semen quality), imparting highly sensitive, and potentially distressing, information, • to interpret, analyse and discuss with referring clinicians laboratory results or highly complex embryology data, and where appropriate provide advice on further management, drawing upon the scientific literature when required, • to help maintain the laboratory in a fit state for practice in accordance with HFEA guidelines and the unit’s HFEA licence, to include participation in maintaining up-to-date laboratory standard operating procedures and laboratory Quality Assurance monitoring, • to assist in the training and supervision of juniors/trainees and to ensure they understand and adhere to laboratory standard operating procedures, • to participate in audit and troubleshooting and revising SOPs to address these, • to participate in service evaluation and development Data Collection & Audit • to ensure the collection and maintenance of laboratory data as part of the unit’s clinical database;, • to be responsible for the collation of specific datasets in electronic and paper formats;, • to be responsible for, and participate in, the audits of cryopreserved material, including gametes and embryos as part of HFEA requirements;, • to oversee the accurate completion of patient records and filing in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority;, • to participate in laboratory Quality Assurance, including data audit, assessment of performance, and development and refinement of laboratory Quality Control;, • to participate in the unit’s regularaudit, clinical review and other meetings. Quality Management To produce monthly laboratory KPI’s to present to the Laboratory Manager/clinical meeting. KPI will be a standard monthly report to include: • current month IVF & ICSI fertilisation rates, cleavage rates and embryo quality., • Pregnancy outcomes for 4 weeks (3 weeks in retrospect), • 3-Monthly data from previous 4 months (i.e 1 month in retrospect), • To produce a fortnightly/monthly EDI report showing which entries are missing., • To produce a monthly list of missing birth outcomes from the database/EDI., • To produce a yearly KPI report. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): The Senior Embryologist will have KPI’s monitored as part of the lab KPI monitoring. Any significant deviations will be dealt with as per quality management policies. Measurable Results: Define the expected outcomes or results that the individual in this role is accountable for achieving. These results should be quantifiable and align with the broader objectives of the organization. Provide clear benchmarks or targets for each result to enable performance evaluation and goal setting. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: • Masters degree in a relevant subject. Education: • Masters degree in relevant subject. Experience: Technical Skills: • Must be capable of operating a PC and working with delicate samples. Soft Skills: • Interpersonal skills area huge advantage. Preferred Qualifications: • Participation in relevant courses. Language Proficiency: • English Licenses/Certifications: • The Senior Embryologist should be HPC registered.