Job summary
This post will offer you comprehensive training and practical experience in a specialist Andrology laboratory setting, dealing with male fertility preservation and sperm donation as well as routine diagnostic testing and treatment preparation.Please note this post is not suitable for anyone wishing to pursue a career in Embryology or IVF, we are looking for someone who is passionate about a career in Andrology and has a genuine interest in Male Fertility and Sperm Donation.
The ideal candidate will already have gained at least 2 years' experience at a Practitioner level within a fertility laboratory, undertaking all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic Andrology. You may now be looking for the next step of your career by expanding your repertoire and working as an autonomous Healthcare Scientist within a specialist Andrology Laboratory. NUH Life can provide a supportive and progressive environment in which to expand your skillset and develop further. We offer an opportunity to work within a well-established regional cryobanking service for both patients and sperm donors, as well as taking part in varied commercial and research projects.
Main duties of the job
In addition to the below summary, you need to familiarise yourself with full Job Description and Person Specification documents attached to this advert.
This post will provide high level support to the Senior Andrologist and Service Lead in both clinical and academic areas of work.
This person would be expected to be an autonomous practitioner, undertaking all aspects of diagnostic testing, sperm preparation for assisted reproduction and sperm cryopreservation without direct supervision. Scientific and technical ability, risk awareness, and an understanding of both HFEA regulation and UKAS accreditation requirements are essential attributes for this post.
This is a patient facing laboratory service that requires compassion, empathy and excellent communication skills.
Exact hours of work are to be negotiated but please note we operate Mon-Saturday and some weekend/out of hours work will be required on a rotation basis. Part time hours could be considered for a suitable candidate, but a minimum of 30hrs a week will be required. Candidates must live or be planning to relocate within 45mins of the Queen's Medical Centre in order to be able to fulfil on call duties.
About us
NUH Life Fertility Service is a small but dedicated multidisciplinary team of Clinicians, Nurses, Healthcare Scientists and administration staff providing Fertility care to both men and women in the East Midlands region. Due to an internal promotion, we now have an exciting opportunity for a qualified and experienced Andrologist to join our laboratory team, located in new and purpose built facilities.
As a team we are dedicated to patient centred care, and expect all of our staff, no matter their role, to uphold that ethos. To join our team you will need to have excellent patient facing skills, demonstrate empathy and sensitivity, and always strive to give those who access our services a positive experience.
With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.
Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career!
We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Participate in all laboratory activities subject to the direction of the head of laboratory, observing good laboratory practice at all times.
Diagnostic and Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis - Direct receipt of diagnostic semen samples from patients and ensuring sample acceptance criteria have been met. Performing semen analysis in line with World Health organisation guidelines and local Standard Operating ProceduresIntra-uterine insemination treatment service - Direct receipt of semen samples from patients for therapeutic processing, ensuring all required patient identification and witnessing steps are performed.Prepare sperm according to current standard procedures and in line with HFEA regulation
Sperm Storage - Providing limited information and taking consent from sperm storage patients under the supervision of the senior scientific staff. Cryopreservation of sperm for fertility patients, oncology patients, private patients and donors. Storage and maintenance of cryopreserved sperm.
Sperm Donation - Testing and evaluation of donor suitability and sperm quality prior to freezing under the direction of the Andrology Service Lead. Organisation of screening for prospective sperm donors and repeat screening throughout period of donation. Matching of donors to recipients, under direction of the Senior Andrologist
Please refer to the job description and person specification attached to the advert for the full details of the vacancy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Participate in all laboratory activities subject to the direction of the head of laboratory, observing good laboratory practice at all times.
Diagnostic and Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis - Direct receipt of diagnostic semen samples from patients and ensuring sample acceptance criteria have been met. Performing semen analysis in line with World Health organisation guidelines and local Standard Operating ProceduresIntra-uterine insemination treatment service - Direct receipt of semen samples from patients for therapeutic processing, ensuring all required patient identification and witnessing steps are performed.Prepare sperm according to current standard procedures and in line with HFEA regulation
Sperm Storage - Providing limited information and taking consent from sperm storage patients under the supervision of the senior scientific staff. Cryopreservation of sperm for fertility patients, oncology patients, private patients and donors. Storage and maintenance of cryopreserved sperm.
Sperm Donation - Testing and evaluation of donor suitability and sperm quality prior to freezing under the direction of the Andrology Service Lead. Organisation of screening for prospective sperm donors and repeat screening throughout period of donation. Matching of donors to recipients, under direction of the Senior Andrologist
Please refer to the job description and person specification attached to the advert for the full details of the vacancy.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in a Life Science
- MSc in Reproductive Science
- Documented evidence of competence in semen analysis, sperm preparation and cryopreservation
Desirable
- Presentation at local, national and/or international meetings
- Training in taking legal consent to storage and use of gametes
Experience
Essential
- 2 years minimum post graduate experience in andrology and reproductive medicine
- Experience in fertility preservation and cryostorage
Desirable
- Experience of donor bank processing, screening and administration
- Experience of donor recipient matching
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic about the specialism of Andrology
- Experience in a patient facing role
- Mature, caring attitude and empathy towards patients and their needs
Desirable
- Experience of breaking bad news
- Experience of writing engaging and topical content for use on websites/social media channels
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Thorough awareness of and understanding of current regulation including HFEA's code of practice
- Demonstrable participation and performance in andrology based laboratory EQA/IQC
- Ability to perform effective internal audit and identify areas of non-compliance/improvement
Desirable
- Good working knowledge of MS Excel
- Experience of using a CASA system
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- Ability to meet deadlines and be punctual
- Ability to manage a busy and varied workload
Desirable
- Experience of team job planning to ensure workload and skillset is appropriate
Physical skills
Essential
- Competent handling of liquid nitrogen and operation of nitrogen refrigerators
- Ability to use and move heavy pressurized nitrogen vessels
Desirable
- Use of automated cryorefrigerators
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Willing to work out of hours/weekends/be flexible and on call 24/7 in rotation
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle whilst on call
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in a Life Science
- MSc in Reproductive Science
- Documented evidence of competence in semen analysis, sperm preparation and cryopreservation
Desirable
- Presentation at local, national and/or international meetings
- Training in taking legal consent to storage and use of gametes
Experience
Essential
- 2 years minimum post graduate experience in andrology and reproductive medicine
- Experience in fertility preservation and cryostorage
Desirable
- Experience of donor bank processing, screening and administration
- Experience of donor recipient matching
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic about the specialism of Andrology
- Experience in a patient facing role
- Mature, caring attitude and empathy towards patients and their needs
Desirable
- Experience of breaking bad news
- Experience of writing engaging and topical content for use on websites/social media channels
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Thorough awareness of and understanding of current regulation including HFEA's code of practice
- Demonstrable participation and performance in andrology based laboratory EQA/IQC
- Ability to perform effective internal audit and identify areas of non-compliance/improvement
Desirable
- Good working knowledge of MS Excel
- Experience of using a CASA system
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- Ability to meet deadlines and be punctual
- Ability to manage a busy and varied workload
Desirable
- Experience of team job planning to ensure workload and skillset is appropriate
Physical skills
Essential
- Competent handling of liquid nitrogen and operation of nitrogen refrigerators
- Ability to use and move heavy pressurized nitrogen vessels
Desirable
- Use of automated cryorefrigerators
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Willing to work out of hours/weekends/be flexible and on call 24/7 in rotation
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle whilst on call
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).