IVF Laboratory Assistant Associate

at  Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Cross Site - Chelsea & Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital
The ACU is seeking to appoint a lab technician to provide basic administrative and technical support to the Embryology Team. The successful applicant will be required to actively participate in routine andrological procedures as well as supporting the Consultant Clinical Embryologist and Senior Staff in the day to day running of the IVF lab.
Chelsea & Westminster’s Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) offers a full range of fertility treatments and is proud to have achieved some of the highest success rates in the UK.
This post provides an opportunity for a lab technician to provide basic administrative and technical support to embryologists. The post-holder must prioritise the workload effectively and be capable of working closely with the clinical embryologists.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is proud to be one of the top performing and safest trusts in England. We have two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital, plus our award-winning clinics across North West London and beyond.
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

Please refer the Job description for details