Embryology Laboratory Associate

Would you like to work within our successful Fertility Unit, as part of our team of scientists? We are looking for an enthusiastic person with a scientific background to assist our Clinical Embryologists by way of protocol-driven laboratory techniques, administrative duties and equipment maintenance.
- Prepare the environment for handling specimens.
- Appropriately identify patients, show them into the semen production room and give instructions for semen production.
- Safe handling of liquid nitrogen, including filling of storage dewars and preparing dry shipper for use.
- Formal witnessing of tasks as required by the HFEA.
- Correct use of laboratory equipment
- Basic semen analysis, freezing and semen preparation for clinical use.
- Oocyte retrieval.
- Appropriate labelling of dishes, vials, straws and canes for culture/storage of gametes.
- Using sterile technique for preparation of culture dishes for use in embryological procedures.
- To develop and maintain accurate written and computerised records of all procedures undertaken in the laboratory including the use of specialised databases.
- To book appointments and answer the telephone and relay messages appropriately
- To enter results accurately onto computer records.
- Validating legal consent forms and reviewing microbiological results prior to fertility treatment

Gateshead Fertility Unit is a multi-disciplinary team of nurses, scientists and medics, currently performing approximately 800 cycles of assisted conception treatments annually. We offer a full range of infertility treatments including IVF, ICSI, frozen embryo treatment as well as sperm and egg donation treatments for both self-funded and NHS patients.

Individualised, compassionate patient care is at the heart of what we do, and our ongoing high pregnancy rates and positive patient feedback is something we are proud to maintain.

This is an exciting opportunity to participate in the continual development of our busy and successful assisted conception unit in the North East of England within a purpose built facility.

General Standards
- To practice safe work procedures at all times to ensure the safety of patients and co-workers and the protection of the environment.
- To promote the image and status of health care scientists by maintaining established standards of practice; dress code, personal hygiene and appearance.
- To write and speak clearly and concisely.
- To liaise with all staff of the fertility centre ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and in a timely manner.
- To work as part of a multi disciplinary team to provide the highest possible standard of patient care.
- To work flexibly and participate in a weekend rota

Quality Management
- To adhere to the Quality Manual of the fertility clinic.
- To protect the confidentiality of all patient information as per the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Code of Practice 8th Ed.
- To read, understand and adhere to all relevant laboratory standard operating procedures.
- To understand quality control measures.
- To understand risk management and highlight risks to supervisors.
- To understand and follow standard operating procedures relating to health and safety.
- To assist in audits.

Laboratory Support
- Cleaning of surfaces, equipment and laboratory floor.
- To assist with stock control, traceability and ordering of consumables to ensure that laboratories are appropriately stocked.
- To receive, unpack and appropriately record consumables.
- To assist with quality control assessments and other daily monitoring of critical laboratory equipment.
- To assist with monitoring and maintaining the liquid nitrogen storage facilities.
- To assist embryologists with cryobank organisation, audits and billing.
- To check appropriate consents are in place and signed.
- To check appropriate blood work results are completed and signed off.

Administrative
- To develop and maintain accurate written and computerised records of all procedures undertaken in the laboratory including the use of specialised databases.
- To book appointments.
- To enter results accurately onto computer records.
- To answer the telephone and relay messages appropriately.
- To advise on access to and use of service to patients.
- To liaise with other Units/Centres and assist in preparation of paperwork for import/export of gametes and embryos.