Job Description / Duties

Basic Function:

The Embryologist is responsible for the appropriate handling and care of gametes and embryos during ART treatment. Performance of this role involves accurate manipulation of human oocytes (eggs) and sperm, performance of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), selection of resulting embryos for transfer back to patients and/or cryopreservation of appropriate gametes and embryos. The Embryologist selects competent embryos for cryopreservation (freezing) and performs the embryo freezing and the eventual thawing procedure. In addition, he/she may also perform the embryo hatching and biopsy procedures for preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) or diagnosis (PGD). The Embryologist is also accountable for proper recording and documentation of assessments and procedures performed.

Key Responsibilities:

Performs all routine IVF procedures including collection and assessment of human oocytes, fertilization, and culture of embryos/blastocysts.
Sperm preparation for either pretreatment evaluation (semen analysis W.H.O. standards) or therapeutic treatment.
Prepares, processes, and isolates sperm for ICSI from surgical testicular samples (PESA, TESA, mTESE).
Inseminates oocytes using conventional IVF or performing ICSI.
Assesses fertilization and grades embryo development stages utilizing standard morphology criteria.
Prepares and performs embryo transfer with or without assisted hatching, as per standard criteria.
Prepares cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos/blastocysts and sperm samples.
Performs thaws of frozen embryos and assessment of embryo survival for transfer.
Maintains clear documentation of all technical procedures and cryobank records.
Maintains the laboratory, including all equipment and areas, inventory control and ordering of laboratory supplies, preparation of results for entry into a computer database and preparation of laboratory reports.
Liaises with patients, physicians, nursing, and administrative staff.
Understands the principles and practices of laboratory aseptic techniques and shares responsibility with the other embryologists to ensure that all techniques meet the prescribed quality control and quality assurance standards and procedures as described in the standard operating procedures (SOP).
Works and demonstrates proficiency with computers, MS Office, databases and other software aiding laboratory organization.
Participates in CCHSA accreditation Canada process, teaching sessions for patients and medical trainees, and in research projects.
Conveys any significant abnormal test/procedure results to the Laboratory Director (or Laboratory Supervisor), or take appropriate action as required.
Ensures that an adequate inventory of reagents, media and lab supplies are in readiness at all times to perform tests and procedures.
Brings to the attention of the Laboratory Director/Supervisor or acts upon any errors detected or made, and respond as objectively as possible.
Andrology duties as required.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Bachelor of Science degree in a related field (e.g. biological science, reproductive biology, animal science) from an accredited education institution.
Masters of Science degree from an accredited education institution preferred.
CFAS Certification preferred.
Minimum 2 years relevant and related work experience.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate collaboratively and effectively in a complex environment, with both internal and external stakeholders and partners.
Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to sensitively communicate with patients/families in vulnerable situations while protecting patient’s privacy.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills required.
Proven attention to detail.
Proven commitment to work effectively both independently and within an interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organization, time management, program planning and evaluation skills.
Demonstrated decision making, problem recognition/solving, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to utilize information technology.
Must be able to work holiday and weekend rotations.
Demonstrated satisfactory work performance and attendance history.

Additional Information

Hours of work and working conditions:

As required to fulfill duties and obligations.
Full-time position. Regular weekly hours of 37.5.
Weekend work will be required.

Contact Information

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their application to:
hr@thefertilitypartners.com

Employer Profile

Aurora Reproductive Care is a state-of-the-art fertility clinic located in the River Landing area (River Centre I) in heart of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As the province’s only comprehensive reproductive health care facility, our mission is to provide the highest quality, compassionate reproductive health care possible in a comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive environment.