Embryologist

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Embryology Lab Supervisor, independently handles actual embryology processes including egg retrievals, embryo transfers, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), fertilization of eggs, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Assisted Hatching (AH), sperm preparation, embryo culturing, embryo evaluation and monitoring, cryopreservation of embryos, eggs and sperm, biopsy for Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis (PGD) and lab processes associated with IVF urology procedures (TESE/MESA).

Essential Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Embryology Lab Supervisor, independently handles actual embryology processes including egg retrievals, embryo transfers, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), fertilization of eggs, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Assisted Hatching (AH), sperm preparation, embryo culturing, embryo evaluation and monitoring, cryopreservation of embryos, eggs and sperm, biopsy for Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis (PGD) and lab processes associated with IVF urology procedures (e.g., TESE, MESA). Consults internally and externally with clinicians and providers on technical issues, patient care management, and test interpretation / selection. Serves as in-house expert in area of specialty. Work collaboratively with the physicians and staff in both the IVF Center as well as the satellite facilities. Work collaboratively with larger management team including IVF Lab Director, IVF Program Director, IVF Medical Director and REI/IVF Manager. Ensures that all IVF lab services are provided with the highest quality of care in accordance with CAP, CLIA, NCQA, Title 22, FDA, and SART requirements. Establishes, implements, and maintains clinical lab service standards to meet member and internal client expectations that are deemed essential, this includes monitoring results, equipment and lab information, while ensuring that meticulous standards for quality control /assurance and risk management are met. Identifies strategies to control costs while improving quality of care and service. Assist with designs and implements laboratory safety and security systems, hazardous waste management, chemical hygiene and injury prevention programs. Keeps current with technological developments through literature search, seminars and other modes of communication. Disseminates to technical staff and physicians, appropriate information that would enhance care to Kaiser Permanente members. Coordinates with Regional Lab (inter-facility and inter-regional) for service and technical support. Coordinates with vendors to manage the implementation and interface of clinical lab equipment and associated databases. As assigned by IVF Lab Supervisor, authors and communicates technical procedures, presentations and publications to scientific community and internal KP clinicians. Kaiser Permanente conducts compensation reviews of positions on a routine basis. At any time, Kaiser Permanente reserves the right to reevaluate and change job descriptions, or to change such positions from salaried to hourly pay status. Such changes are generally implemented only after notice is given to affected employees.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting an IVF lab. Education Bachelors degree or higher in chemistry, biology or other related science with coursework in mathematics, statistics and physics.
• License,
• Certification,
• Registration
• N/A
• Additional
• Requirements: Must communicate well in English and exhibit effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate care and concern while dealing efficiently and courteously with patients, customers, staff and providers. Excellent knowledge of computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet design, and database application. Strong working knowledge of research methodology / research study design, hypothesis testing and qualitative data interpretation and application. Able to create flow charts, chart review instruments, design questionnaires, interpret data. Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, NCQA, Title 22, FDA, CDC, SART and other local, state and federal requirements and regulations. Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills. Project management skills preferred. Must be able to provide weekend and holiday coverage as needed. Embryology Lab Scientist (ELS) certification tested by AABs Board of Registry (ABOR) preferred or eligible to sit for certification exam within one year of employment. Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment. Comprehensive training & experience in all aspects of ART clinical lab technologies, tissue culture, Andrology, semen analysis, egg retrieval, assessment, and transfer, sperm and embryo cryopreservation and micromanipulation. Must have demonstrated ability to make independent judgment, prioritize work under varied and urgent conditions, maintain accurate lab data, clearly understand and respond to test results, and communicate effectively with physicians, nurses and other IVF center staff. Skills with automated equipment maintenance and troubleshooting with computerized lab information systems. Must meet quality, accuracy and productively expectations of the department, while maintaining confidentiality and a safe work environment. Must have legible handwriting and demonstrated good attendance and reliability assist with the logistics necessary for normal functioning of laboratory, e.g. inventory control, quality assurance and quality control procedures, as well as maintenance of laboratory records and entry of patient information into IVF lab database.

Preferred Qualifications

Four (4) years of experience supporting an IVF lab. Experience in embryo biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). Valid Board-Certified Technical Supervisor license in Embryology (TS). Embryology Lab Scientist (ELS) certification tested by AABs Board of Registry (ABOR) preferred or eligible to sit for certification exam within one year of employment. Masters Degree preferred.