Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Cryopreservation and Long Term Storage

• Co-ordination of relevant consent forms for patients’ storage of samples and ensuring forms are filed accordingly.
• Filling and maintenance of cryotanks and dry shippers, including safe handling of liquid nitrogen (LN2).
• Ensure that accurate records of patient details and freeze records are kept and that appropriate written consents are obtained and adhered to, including those for utilisation/disposal of gametes/embryos.
• Ensuring that blood screening tests are obtained and up-to-date, and forms filed accordingly.
• Audit of embryo and sperm storage tanks.
• To undertake Roche testing (PCR) of prepared SWP (Sperm washing programme) samples.
• Handling gametes and embryos into and out of LN2.
• Appropriate labelling of dishes, vials, straws and canes.

Record Keeping

• Set up laboratory treatment notes.
• Maintenance and upkeep of confidential records in patient notes, laboratory data books, files and computer database.
• Collection of data and completion of forms for submission to the HFEA.
• Checking appropriate consents are in place for all licensed laboratory procedures.

Stocks & Supplies

• Monitor stock levels of all consumables and order laboratory consumables.
• Sonicate glassware and laboratory consumables for clinical use.

Administrative

• Maintaining up-to-date statistics for IVF, ICSI, IUI and FET, including computer entry of laboratory data. 
• Liaising with administrative staff in invoicing patients for embryo / sperm freezing and annual storage fees.
• Maintenance of donor sperm records.
• To undertake other general duties including answering telephone enquiries and photocopying. 

Clinical

• Prepare the environment for handling specimens.
• Appropriately identify patients, show them into the semen production room and give instructions for semen production.
• Formal witnessing of tasks as required by the HFEA.
• Correct use of centrifuge as per standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Correct use of laminar flow hood as per SOP
• Correct use of stereo and phase contrast microscopes as per SOP.
• Correct use of incubators as per SOP.
• Basic semen analysis.
• Aliquoting of media using sterile technique.
• Preparation of culture dishes for use in embryological procedures.
• Processing of surgically retrieved sperm.

Other Requirements/ Responsibilities

• Maintain close communication and liaison with Consultant Embryologist.
• To assist and participate in the provision of a high quality, safe and effective clinical service.
• To provide support for the Quality Management System at Chelsea site.
• To take lead on Quality Management System at West Middlesex site.
• Perform technical procedures in accordance with the laboratory SOP and under the supervision of senior scientist at all times; to include preparation of culture dishes/tubes for treatment and aliquoting media.
• Report to the line manager any untoward incident or problem that may impede the provision of the service. 
• Maintain sterility and cleanliness within the laboratory continuously.
• Perform appropriate internal and external Quality Control and Assurance tests.
• Act as witness for all laboratory procedures.
• Organising courier services for the transport of donor sperm and patient’s embryos / sperm between clinics.
• Attend regular Laboratory and Team meetings, and participate in risk assessment.
• Participate in training programmes for Continuing Professional Development and in the Trust’s appraisal KSF scheme. 
• Participate in staff training and motivation schemes. 
• Ensure all procedures are carried out within HFEA Code of Practice and relevant professional bodies ACE, BFS, ESHRE regulations. 
• Ensure, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and COSHH regulations that agreed safety procedures are adhered to.

The post holder will also be expected to

• Work within the ACU’s Clinical Governance plan.
• Provide input into the development and expansion of the existing clinical service.
• Update the ACU database and support ongoing audit of the infertility and assisted conception services.
• Take part in the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching program within the ACU.