Senior Embryologist

We at TFP, are looking for brilliant minds and passionate hearts to help us shape the future of fertility. We are one of the largest fertility service providers in Europe operating our IVF clinics and egg/sperm freezing banks in the UK and Poland. We have embarked on the mission to use technology to provide patients 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.

Science research and innovation are key to how we work and have led to us pioneering fertility treatment for more than 35 years. Many of our clinicians are internationally renowned specialists and we regularly share knowledge across our clinics to further improve our success.

TFP has a national donor sperm bank, its own quality assurance scheme and own training scheme for junior embryologists. In addition, we are proud to say that we offer a clear & bespoke career framework, support continuing professional development and provide opportunities for staff to travel to other TFP clinics further their learning and support career progression.

The Role:

This role is responsible for delivering high-quality embryology and andrology services, ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance and adherence to laboratory standards. Key responsibilities include performing assisted conception procedures, maintaining accurate records, supporting quality management, monitoring resources, contributing to staff training and development, and promoting effective communication and continuous improvement across the laboratory team.

This is a full time position working 37.5 hour per week

There will be on-call and weekend working required on a rotational basis

The Location:

Belfast Fertility was established in 2013 and is Northern Ireland’s longest standing private IVF clinic. Due to the passion, expertise and reputation of our team, Belfast Fertility has grown and now performs approximately 500 fresh cycles and 400 frozen cycles per year. We offer a full suite of treatment and diagnostic services, including PGT. Conveniently located in a business park setting on the outskirts of Belfast, adjacent to J1 of the M2, there is ample free parking for staff & patients at the front of the building. Our state-of-the-art laboratory was purpose built in 2013 and is equipped with the latest equipment and monitoring systems that support us in achieving excellent outcome KPI’s. Belfast Fertility was awarded Northern Irelands Fertility Clinic of the Year 2022 at the prestigious GHP Healthcare and Pharma awards and has a 5/5 inspection rating from the HFEA.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Skills

• Perform all standard embryology and andrology procedures, including dish preparation, semen analysis and preparation, oocyte collection, insemination via ICSI, fertilisation checks, embryo culture and transfer, embryo biopsy (if required by the Laboratory Manager), and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos.

• Recruit, select and screen gamete donors in accordance with national regulations and TFP policies.

• Ensure all procedures comply with TFP laboratory SOPs, national regulations and relevant professional guidelines.

• Communicate results to patients and explain treatment options and their implications.

• Obtain informed consent from patients.

• Accurately record patient cycle details in the patient management system and laboratory notes.

• Carry out witnessing and traceability procedures in accordance with national regulations and TFP policies.

• Prepare laboratory notes and check consent forms and screening results.

• Perform quality control checks and monitor laboratory equipment.

• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and carry out routine equipment cleaning and maintenance.

Quality Management

• Read and acknowledge laboratory documentation, including SOPs, policies and risk assessments.

• Assist with audits of laboratory policies and procedures.

• Raise laboratory non-conformities on QPulse and notify the Laboratory Manager.

• Participate in laboratory quality control and quality assurance activities.

• Review KPI data and monitor individual performance.

• Follow laboratory health and safety guidelines, participate in relevant training, remain familiar with local risk assessments and use personal protective equipment appropriately.

Resource Management

• Monitor laboratory equipment and report any issues as appropriate.

• Monitor laboratory stock levels and identify replenishment requirements.

Induction, Training and Performance Management of Staff

• Support the induction of new members of the laboratory team.

• Assist with training junior and new staff members and support trainees undertaking the TFP Training Scheme.

• Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development (CPD).

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure laboratory activities comply with national regulations, professional guidelines and TFP policies.

• Conduct laboratory audits, review outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Assist with the management of laboratory non-conformities, including root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventative actions.

• Collate and review laboratory KPI data to support performance monitoring and improvement.

• Support the implementation of TFP policies and projects within the laboratory.

• Maintain the laboratory cryostore and ensure appropriate consent is in place in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate and carry out the transport of gametes and embryos into and out of the clinic in accordance with national regulations and TFP policies.

• Participate in laboratory research projects in accordance with national regulations.

Communication

• Attend laboratory and clinic meetings as directed by the Laboratory Manager.

• Maintain effective communication and cooperation with other functional areas and across TFP.

• Actively participate in patient information and marketing events.

• Represent TFP at group meetings, industry events and conferences as required.

Confidentiality

The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information relating to patients, employees and other Company business in accordance with applicable national and European data protection legislation.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential

• 5 years clinical expereince

• Degree in Life Science

• State Registered/Nationally Registered Scientist (or immediately eligible to apply)

• Full knowledge of the biology and scientific evidence underpinning clinical embryology practice

• Full knowledge of the work of related disciplines

• Full knowledge of prevailing national legislation

• Experience of performing quality control and participating in quality assurance

• Knowledge of quality management systems

• Flexible and self-motivated

• High level of resilience

• High level of attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent time management /prioritisation skills

• Right to work in the country of application

• Satisfactory criminal record checks

Desirable

• MSc or PhD in Life Science

• RC Path Part 1 or 2

• ESHRE Certificate

• PGT Experience

• Experience of training junior members of staff

Salary: Competitive (Depending on experience)

Location: TFP Belfast Fertility
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

• Weekend Working at approximately a 1:4 (renumerated with TOIL/overtime)

• On-Call: Working approximately a 1:4 in coordination with your weekend (remunerated with a daily rate of pay in addition to your basic salary)

Pension: Dual contribution pension scheme

Holiday Entitlement: 27 Days + Bank holidays pro rata