Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated, enthusiastic Lead Embryologist and Laboratory Service Manager to join the NHS based providers of fertility treatment located in Surrey. The post is supported by a Lead Consultant HFEA Personal Responsible (PR) and Quality Manager. 

The Trust is seeking to recruit an experienced manager who can demonstrate significant learning post HPC registration and robust clinical experience and who will lead the specialist laboratories and quality system and support the Lead HFEA Personal Responsible (PR). The laboratories will support and extend the existing fertility services to include IVF and ICSI and freezing processes and so validation experience is essential.

To fulfil this role we are looking for an individual with leadership skills, with experience of team management and supervisor training of junior staff to ACE certificate levels. You will have significant patient contact so excellent communication skills are essential and you will have a thorough understanding of HFEA regulations, HTA and quality systems. A higher degree or equivalent experience is desirable.

The Trust actively promotes CPD, teaching and opportunities for presentation at professional meetings and training days are encouraged and supported. Weekend, bank holidays and out of hours/ on call work will be required on a rotational basis. Candidates will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check and an Occupational Health Assessment.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for the scientific direction and management of the Embryology laboratory and ensure it runs efficiently, productively, and safely and successfully and within the terms of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990) and the HFEA Code of Practice

To liaise with medical staff on clinical matters and use professional judgement to advise in general but also for individual

patients.

To take the lead in the development and implementation of any new laboratory treatment or protocols and set the strategic direction of the laboratory as identified by national priorities, established standards of practice and the needs of Beginnings ACU.

To oversee the performance and training of all embryologists and trainees, including STPs, involved in clinical gamete handling and subsequent embryos in the Fertility Unit.

To take responsibility for the laboratory budget, ensuring financial balance and working to develop strategies to reduce cost.

To communicate effectively with medical, nursing and scientific members of the Fertility Unit team and any other associated teams to ensure the smooth, effective running of the unit and to assist in attaining its annual targets.

To perform various laboratory procedures, as detailed; to introduce new laboratory procedures as necessary and appropriate.

To lead the continual development of the quality management systems and to comply with the requirements of the CoP and HFEA Licence Conditions and Regulations.

Working for our organisation

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). 

 After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.