Embryologist

Description

Southern California Reproductive Center "SCRC" is a leading fertility clinic in Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara & Pasadena. We are dedicated to providing our patients the highest quality of care with respect and compassion. Employing the most innovative technologies, we optimize the chances for success in creating a family. Our practice is proudly inclusive and supports a diverse patient population.

We are seeking a Embryologist that is proficient in all duties described for Assistant and Associate Embryologist. In addition to basic andrology and embryology procedures, must be proficient in advanced embryology techniques including assisted hatching of embryos, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and blastocyst culture, freezing and thawing. Assists Laboratory Supervisor with education and training of junior staff. Also assists Laboratory Supervisor in day to day operations of the laboratory. Communicates and interprets various laboratory results. Interacts with Physicians, Nurses and patients as needed. Assists in hospital and outside laboratory inspections. This position requires flexibility, the willingness to take on multiple tasks and roles, and work with instruction or direction from the laboratory supervisor. Schedule is variable with alternating weekends and holidays coverage needed.

Pay Grade Data: $60,000

• Must be proficient in all duties described for Assistant and Embryologist
• Must have at least two years of experience in human IVF, preferably in a SART accredited IVF program.
• Performs advanced procedures such as assisted hatching of embryos and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
• Responsible for assisting Laboratory Director and Supervisor in education of junior staff.
• Should be a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
• Assists Laboratory Supervisor in maintenance of equipment and troubleshooting of equipment problems.
• Regularly communicates with Physicians.
• Monitors reagents, chemicals, and gasses used in the IVF laboratory.
• Performs and interprets results of toxicity bioassays.
• Communicates with vendors and various service contractors for proper maintenance and calibration of equipment.
• Must keep us with new technologies.
• Must have good interpersonal skills, pay close attention to detail and be able to function under certain time constraints.

Qualifications

• Some knowledge of OSHA and other regulatory policies and procedures related to the lab and the ability to understand and interpret pertinent policies and procedures clearly and accurately required.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communications skills, including ability to communicate accurately and concisely with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to multitask.
• Aptitude to work independently and demonstrate good judgment.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment while remaining persistent in overcoming obstacles.
• Must be able to work weekends and some holidays.
• Be able to physically lift heavy equipment and supplies.
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences from an accredited institution.
• Two years prior experience in human IVF in a SART approved IVF program.
• Membership in the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in one of the sciences - preferred.
• Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Outlook - required.
• Electronic Healthcare Records (EMR) experience – preferred.
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HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet the basic health requirements for employees at ART Reproductive Center, including required lab tests, TB skin tests or chest X-ray.
• Emotional maturity and stability to carry out the duties of the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Moderate work-medium work is defined as lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• REACHING, HANDLING, FINGERING AND/OR FEELING:
• Handling: seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands (fingering is not involved).
• Fingering: Perceiving such attributes of objects working with the fingers primarily (rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling).
• Reaching: Extending the hands and arms in any direction.

TALKING AND/OR HEARING IS REQUIRED:

• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds by the ear.  

SEEING IS REQUIRED:

• Seeing: Obtaining impressions through the eyes of the shape, size, distance, motion, color or other characteristics of objects. The major visual functions re: (1) acuity, far and near,
• (2) depth perception, (3) field of vision, and (4) accommodation. The functions are defined as follows:
• Acuity, Far: Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more Acuity, Near: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
• Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision. The ability to judge distance and space relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are.

INTERACTIONS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Sterile working conditions inside a clinical laboratory.

The worker may be exposed to the following conditions and/or hazards during the course of performing the functions of their position.

1.  Weather Conditions:

a.         Protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes.

b.         The worker spends approximately 75% or more of time indoors.

2.         Wet and Humid:

a.         Wet - Contact with water or other liquids

b.         Humid - Atmospheric condition and moisture content sufficiently high to cause marked bodily discomfort.

3.         Noise and Vibration:

a.         Noise - sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent, to cause marked distraction or possible injury to the sense of hearing.

b.         Vibration - sufficient vibration (production of an oscillating movement or strain on the body or its extremities from repeated motion or shock) to cause bodily harm if endured day after day.

4.         Hazards

a.         Situations in which the individual is exposed to the definite risk of bodily injury.

5.         Fumes, odors, Toxic Conditions, Dust and poor Ventilation

a.         Fumes -          smoky or vaporous exhalations, usually odorous, thrown off as the result of combustion or chemical reaction.

b.         Odors -           noxious smells, either toxic or non-toxic.

c.         Toxic Conditions -    exposure to toxic dust, fumes, gases, vapors, mists, or liquids which cause general or localized disabling conditions as a result of inhalations or action on the skin.

d.         Dust - Air filled with small particles of any kind, such as textile dust, flour, latex powder, etc. and inorganic dust, including silica and asbestos, which make the workplace unpleasant or are the source of occupational diseases.

e.         Poor ventilation -     insufficient movement of air causing a feeling of suffocation, or exposure to drafts.

6.         Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Category I -    position is considered to have opportunity for routine exposure to blood borne pathogens in the normal performance of job duties.

7.         Occupational Exposure

Potential for occupational exposure to illness or infection, other than blood borne, including but not limited to tuberculosis (TB), meningitis and scabies.

8.         Lighting

Lighting throughout the hospital is primarily florescent.

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT    

1.         Demonstrates knowledge of Total Quality Management and Improving Organizational Performance (IOP) programs in order to ensure continuous quality improvement of all processes.

2.         Participates in quality improvement teams and processes as directed by the Quality Council.      

GUEST RELATIONS

1.         Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, fellow employees and physicians.

2.         Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation with other departments and allied professionals

3.         Demonstrates respect and cooperation in all staff relationships, and a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.

4.         Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions

5.         Demonstrates a willingness to act as a representative of the hospital and has read and follows Tenet Code of Standards.

6.         Actively participates in and encourages actions that promote good public relations with patients' families, visitors and the community.

7.         Maintains confidentiality regarding patient information.

8.         Handles difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.

9.         Appearance is professional and in accordance with hospital dress code.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

1.         Supports and adheres to departmental/institute policies and standards.

2.         Demonstrates ethical behavior in decision-making and the performance of services.

3.         Performs tasks in ways that contribute to the control of expenses without impacting negatively on quality service

4.         Demonstrates an understanding of all emergency procedures and codes.

5.         Actively promotes a safe work environment

6.         Consistently demonstrates good health and safety habits, and proper body mechanics.

7.         Practices Infection Control and Universal Precautions techniques

8.         Demonstrates and promotes dependability through consistent attendance and punctuality

9.         Attends required in-service training classes.

10.       Attends staff meetings

11.       Attends reorientation annually (Annual Review)

12.       Fulfills annual health screening requirements.

13.       Participates in corporate Ethics Training.   

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITY/CRITERIA FOR AGE SPECIFIC DELIVERY OF CARE