Clinical Embryologist

Here at TFP, we are looking for brilliant minds and passionate hearts to help us shape the future of fertility health. We are one of the largest fertility service providers in Europe operating our IVF clinics and egg/sperm freezing banks in currently 6 countries. We have embarked on the mission to use technology to provide parents with a memorable best-in-class fertility journey that leads to the best outcome - starting a family

At TFP we offer all our patients the care, understanding and expertise that help to bring dreams to life. We are passionate about what we do, which reflects our commitment to creating lives and changing lives.

**The Role**:
To ensure the delivery of all embryology and andrology services for the assessment and treatment of infertility.

As part of the embryology team, an embryologist will be expected to perform all routine day to day activities in the embryology and andrology laboratories. Supervise junior embryology and technician staff if required and ensure appropriate laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures are followed at all times.

The post holder’s roles will also include clinical liaison and routine clinical decision making within the embryology laboratory and the opportunity for ICSI and biopsy training if not already attained.

We currently do not have any positions available for trainee embryologists, this is not a trainee position

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Analysis of semen samples and assessment of their suitability for treatments.
- Preparation of fresh and cryopreserved semen for in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) using swim-up and discontinuous gradient techniques, as appropriate.
- Assessment, preparation and cryopreservation of epididymal sperm and testicular biopsies.
- Preparation, assessment and injection of oocytes using ICSI (training opportunities available if required).
- Handling and manipulation of oocytes and embryos to facilitate assessment of fertilisation, early cleavage and blastocyst development.
- Selection of embryos for immediate uterine transfer and cryopreservation of supernumerary embryos.
- Communication with external providers of genetic testing for PGT cases.
- Trophectoderm biopsy (training opportunities available if required).
- Thawing of frozen embryos during subsequent natural or stimulated cycles.
- Ongoing assessment of culture conditions and quality control of culture media and consumables.
- Completion and computation of records in accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and compliance with their guidelines.
- Communicate with patients about aspects of their treatment including fertilisation results and embryo survival after thaws.
- Assisting the Laboratory Manager in the development and implementation of new laboratory services as required.
- Collaboration with the Person Responsible and Laboratory Manager, to ensure that all laboratory procedures and policies comply with the requirements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990), the HFEA Code of Practice and all other relevant legislation and guidelines.
- All embryology staff have daily contact with patients, both in person and by telephone. Embryologists are responsible for:

- Informing patients undergoing treatment of immediate embryology issues.
- Informing patients undergoing treatment of updates on embryo development
- Giving both specific and general advice to patients within their remit
- Advising patients when, and how many embryos will be thawed during frozen / thawed cycles and embryo survival
- Informing patients whether embryos are suitable for cryopreservation or should be discarded

The above tasks will involve giving bad news, when, for example, all eggs have failed to fertilise or embryos did not survive the freezing and thawing process. The embryologist must give this information sensitively and ensure that distressed patients have understood the information given.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- A 1st class or upper 2nd class degree in a life science.
- Attainment of either the ACE certificate in clinical embryology or the new scientific training programme (STP) in Reproductive Science or ESHRE certification.
- A postgraduate qualification is desirable but not essential.
- 2-4 years clinical experience in an IVF lab.
- Qualification or training as an ICSI practitioner would be desirable.
- Trophectoderm biopsy skills for PGT would be desirable
- Registration with the Health Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist (Embryology) is desirable.
- An understanding of the biology and scientific evidence underpinning clinical embryology practice.
- An understanding of prevailing legislation.
- The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients and other disciplines.

**Location - Wessex**

**Hours - Full Time 37.5 hours per week**

**Salary - Competitive (Depending on Experience)