Senior Embryologist

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

• Under general direction of the Lab Director and Lead Embryologist, performs advanced technical, clinical and research duties independently in the IVF laboratory.
• Interacts directly with physicians and demonstrates ability to use own judgement in making decisions regarding lab procedures. Interfaces with the research and andrology components of the IVF Program to advance Laboratory technologies.
• The Sr Embryologist works in a collaborative relationship with the Laboratory Director other lab team members, as well as with other office staff in the clinic.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Has demonstrated independent proficiency and competency in performing the following procedures:
• Conducts the full range of basic Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) laboratory procedures.
• Conducts serum/media preparation with accuracy and impeccable attention to detail.
• Conducts lab tests related to IVF treatment including semen analysis, and hormone tests.
• Conducts sperm preparation to remove dead sperm and purify samples, meeting qualitative goals as measured by successful inseminations.
• Performs egg retrievals and cumulus cell removal, meeting established goals for average numbers of eggs retrieved.
• Performs both conventional and ICSI inseminations, meeting established percentage goals for fertilization.
• Completes fertilization checks for conventional insemination and ICSI, meeting numerical targets for the maximum number of mature eggs fertilized and placed in culture.
• Successfully performs embryo grading to select embryos for transfer, meeting goals established by Lab Director, including passing proficiency testing twice per year.
• Successfully performs embryo warming and transfers, measured by the pregnancy rate per transfer.
• Conducts procedures of egg and embryo vitrification with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency is measured by the percentage of recovered eggs/embryos and survival of warmed eggs/embryos.
• Conduct advanced IVF procedures (including ICSI, Embryo biopsy, and Egg freezing) Conduct daily quality control activities.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Ancillary duties as required to maintain a clean and operating laboratory, cryo tank maintenance & monitoring, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and inventory control.
• Complies with regulations and laws for human ART in the U.S. and applicable state, adheres to the policies, procedures and rules of our laboratory.
• Works collaboratively with the Lab Director and lab team to proactively identify evolving best practices as well as areas for improvement in laboratory processes and operations.
• Meticulously follow detailed laboratory standard operating procedures as well as comply with all safety policies.
• Meets quality standards and numerical goals for laboratory procedures, as set by the Lab Director.
• Consults with physicians as needed.
• Ensures that the laboratory always has appropriate and adequate supplies available for all laboratory procedures and assists with ordering as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• The Sr Embryologist has the ability to work independently specifically during weekend hours and is responsible for weekend workload responsibilities as well as equipment monitoring systems.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with the lab team and patients and to work cross-functionally with other employees and departments.
• Able to effectively prioritize and to ask for assistance when needed to meet time-sensitive workflow.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
• Ability to be extremely flexible and adaptable to varying and time-sensitive workload.
• Exercise a high level of discretion and sensitivity to patient privacy.
• Ability to maintain a clean and sanitized environment.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Reproductive Biology or Animal Science from an accredited institution.
• Meet state specific certifications/licensure requirements, if applicable.
• A minimum of 5 years work experience in an IVF lab Successfully completed a minimum of 30 supervised procedures for new skills (30 of each type of procedure) is required.
• Successfully completed a minimum of 20 independent procedures is required.
• Must have working knowledge of healthcare regulatory and compliance policy (i.e., HIPAA). Must be able to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks effectively and efficiently while maintaining a professional, courteous manner.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, particularly around complex issues. High integrity, including maintenance of confidential information.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment and positively influence others, including handling confrontations with poise and efficiency.
• Advanced computer skills (including, but not limited to spreadsheets, word documents, Internet, and email).
• Experience with MS, Word, Excel, and ability to learning new computer programs.
• Shows initiative and enjoys working as a team in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to details.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (MediumMax 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.