Job Description / Duties

• 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
• Performs 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
• Provides rotating support for 24-hour alarm back up as part of the overall laboratory team at CFRH
• Liaisons 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
• Performs blastocyst biopsies for PGD/PGS, cell transfer for analysis and vitrification
• Reports non-conformities and deviations from SOP’s
• Andrology duties, including sperm preparation for IUI and cryobanking as assigned

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 of 2 years relevant and related work experience is required before full work independence can be achieved.
- 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

Salary: TBD

Contact Information

humanresources.msh@sinaihealth.ca

Employer Profile

The Embryologist has a practical and theoretical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART). The overall role of the Embryologist is to work in a multidisciplinary team to aid patients in achieving a pregnancy. Duties are comprised of highly complex activities performed within an IVF laboratory following procedures described in the MSF Embryology Laboratory Procedure Manual.
The Embryologist is responsible for the culture, fertilization, micromanipulation, morphological evaluation and cryopreservation of patient’s gametes and embryos. Development of SOP’s, documentation and reporting are also part of the Embryologists responsibilities.