Job summary
The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and
appropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and
monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo
research.
We are looking for a full time Scientific Officer to support a wide
range of our activities within the Compliance team.
Main duties of the job
A key part of this role will be to support the Compliance team in processing
a variety of scientific applications such as Preimplantation genetic testing
for monogenic disorders (PGT-M), Mitochondrial donation applications & ITE import
certificates. The work will be varied, and the successful applicant will be
responsible for the processing and quality of these applications.
This is an exciting
opportunity for someone who is proactive, can work effectively as part of a
team, and who has good written and verbal communication skills including an
ability to handle sensitive patient information. You should be able to
demonstrate some experience of supporting or managing projects and of working
with multiple pieces of work. You should also have the skills required to
undertake scientific literature searches, be confident at reviewing scientific journal
papers, and can summarise and identify key points from a wide range of
evidence.
Given the varied
nature of this role, good time management skills and the ability to prioritise
tasks effectively is key. You will be educated to degree level in one of
the biological sciences and have good
IT skills.
Interviews are likely to take place on 23 July.
About us
The HFEA is
the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice in
fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics
carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.
This post is
offered as either office based (in which case you will need to attend the
office at least one day per week)or home based (in which case office attendance will be specified by
your line manager based on business need). Our office is in Stratford, east
London, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongside
several other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybrid
working we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.
The HFEA is a
member of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability Confident
Charter. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working
environment that is free from any form of discrimination. We recognise that
there are real benefits of having a diverse community of staff and aim for our
workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society. Additionally,
we adopt a culture that hopes to attract and retain talented individuals that
want to work with us.
In November 2024, the HFEA was awarded People Insight's Outstanding Workplace Award 2024.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To process a variety of applications from HFEA licensed clinics for approval by the relevant HFEA committee, including:
- Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) applications
- Preimplantation tissue typing (PTT) applications
- Mitochondrial donation applications
- Applications from licensed clinics relevant to the import and export of gametes and embryos (Special Directions and ITE import certificate updates)
- Ensure the quality of applications submitted by HFEA licensed centres
- To promote and practice a culture of continuous improvement.
- To engage with service users, providers, and other regulatory and professional bodies.
- To contribute to the delivery of strategic organisational and directorate projects.
Key responsibilities
1. To manage the review and processing of relevant applications from clinics that impact on patients undergoing licensed fertility treatments. Promoting good practice and compliance by:
- supporting the compliance team to ensure all necessary applications are processed in accordance with approved methodologies.
- liaising with centres and stakeholders to ensure applications are processed in accordance with KPIs;
- producing high quality evidence based reports;
- responding to enquiries and correspondence from centres and stakeholders;
2. To manage own workload and produce high quality output by effective prioritisation of activities and adherence to organisational KPIs.
3. To secure and maintain an understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations, Directions, Code of Practice and HFEA policies and procedures and apply this knowledge in the regulatory process.
4. Ensure detailed and accurate written records are kept for all activities by maintaining up to date contemporaneous records using approved HFEA methodologies.
5. Contribute to the development of policies and improved practices through involvement in the delivery of organisational and directorate project programmes and cross directorate working.
Promote and maintain a positive image of the HFEA.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To process a variety of applications from HFEA licensed clinics for approval by the relevant HFEA committee, including:
- Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) applications
- Preimplantation tissue typing (PTT) applications
- Mitochondrial donation applications
- Applications from licensed clinics relevant to the import and export of gametes and embryos (Special Directions and ITE import certificate updates)
- Ensure the quality of applications submitted by HFEA licensed centres
- To promote and practice a culture of continuous improvement.
- To engage with service users, providers, and other regulatory and professional bodies.
- To contribute to the delivery of strategic organisational and directorate projects.
Key responsibilities
1. To manage the review and processing of relevant applications from clinics that impact on patients undergoing licensed fertility treatments. Promoting good practice and compliance by:
- supporting the compliance team to ensure all necessary applications are processed in accordance with approved methodologies.
- liaising with centres and stakeholders to ensure applications are processed in accordance with KPIs;
- producing high quality evidence based reports;
- responding to enquiries and correspondence from centres and stakeholders;
2. To manage own workload and produce high quality output by effective prioritisation of activities and adherence to organisational KPIs.
3. To secure and maintain an understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations, Directions, Code of Practice and HFEA policies and procedures and apply this knowledge in the regulatory process.
4. Ensure detailed and accurate written records are kept for all activities by maintaining up to date contemporaneous records using approved HFEA methodologies.
5. Contribute to the development of policies and improved practices through involvement in the delivery of organisational and directorate project programmes and cross directorate working.
Promote and maintain a positive image of the HFEA.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Education to at least degree level or equivalent in a bioscience related subject
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of genetics, particularly the genetics of human disease
Experience
Essential
- A scientific background and experience of working in a laboratory or a related discipline relevant to healthcare
- Experience of managing and prioritising a complex workload
- Experience working as part of a team with people from a wide range of disciplines
- Experience of gathering, analysing, and interpreting information and evidence
- Experience of promoting a culture of continuous improvement
Desirable
- Experience gained within a similar role.
- Project management experience
Skills
Essential
- Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce evidence-based reports
- An ability to assimilate, understand and apply complex legislation and regulatory requirements
- Resilience in handling difficult situations
Desirable
- Understanding of the quality improvement/clinical governance agenda
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Education to at least degree level or equivalent in a bioscience related subject
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of genetics, particularly the genetics of human disease
Experience
Essential
- A scientific background and experience of working in a laboratory or a related discipline relevant to healthcare
- Experience of managing and prioritising a complex workload
- Experience working as part of a team with people from a wide range of disciplines
- Experience of gathering, analysing, and interpreting information and evidence
- Experience of promoting a culture of continuous improvement
Desirable
- Experience gained within a similar role.
- Project management experience
Skills
Essential
- Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce evidence-based reports
- An ability to assimilate, understand and apply complex legislation and regulatory requirements
- Resilience in handling difficult situations
Desirable
- Understanding of the quality improvement/clinical governance agenda
