Lab Manager of Embryology & Andrology

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

12d

About The Position

The Lab Manager, Embryology and Andrology reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medical Group and adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Lab Manager is responsible for all aspects of the daily operations of the embryology and andrology laboratories across various clinics and regions within Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. The main responsibilities of this position include oversight of lab staffing, pertinent patient customer service issues, and technical procedural execution. Duties include the performance and technical supervision of all aspects of procedures in the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) laboratory including media preparation, oocyte collection and classification, semen preparation and insemination, fertilization determination, embryo culture, embryo transfer, embryo, oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Micromanipulation techniques include ICSI, Assisted Hatching and PGD Embryo Biopsy. Andrology procedures include performance of semen analyses, preparation of semen for intrauterine insemination, cryopreservation of semen and testicular tissue, maintain donor sperm inventories and records, maintain CAP, JCAHO, CLIA and OSHA compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry
At least 5 years’ experience in a CAP accredited laboratory
At least 5 years’ experience supervising high complexity testing and procedures in a reproductive laboratory
Demonstrates personal alignment with Northwestern Medicine’s core values of integrity, excellence, patients first, and teamwork.
Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates the ability to plan, organize, and direct the activities of others.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Biology or Reproductive Physiology
Board Certification as an Embryology Laboratory Director, American Board of Bioanalysis
Board Certification as a Technical Supervisor in the disciplines of Embryology and Andrology, American Board of Bioanalysis

Responsibilities

Supervision and training of all embryology and andrology personnel
Establishing and Implementing all new procedures and techniques in the embryology and andrology laboratories
Conducting and overseeing internal competency testing and external proficiency testing of staff
Maintaining patient records and results for all procedures performed in embryology and andrology laboratories
Overseeing all data reporting internally and externally to the national SART registry
Managing all equipment acquisition, equipment maintenance and laboratory supplies
Managing and responding to all critical equipment alarm response 24/7, 365 days/year
Overseeing laboratory patient electronic medical record resulting and billing for the embryology and andrology labs.
Attracts, develops, and retains exceptional service providers and provides those individuals with an environment that fosters excellence through continuous learning
Collaborates with Human Resources and leadership to ensure appropriate staffing
Advances innovative retention strategies for staff
Facilitates and is responsible for the employee engagement process for department
Collaboratively manages the corrective action process when appropriate
Facilitates the annual performance review process
Ensures application of staffing tools
Facilitates on-boarding and training of new staff
Manages people and resources in various laboratory sites to ensure safe and efficient patient care operations
Assumes 24 hour accountability for quality of patient care, human resources, and overall function.
In conjunction with the Laboratory Director, develops section based goals to support divisional and organizational missions and objectives.
Ensures that staff exhibit Patients First standards.
Facilitates a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to patient care and interdepartmental problem solving/service delivery.
Develops and maintains relationships with all customers, suppliers and vendors.
Assures that service standards are developed, implemented and evaluated.
Creates an environment of high morale and motivated professionals.
Ensures that the environment is clean and attractive, safe, and free from hazards for patients, staff and visitors.
Assumes delegated management responsibilities in the absence of the Director.
Monitors and manages staff in alignment with productivity standards.
Facilitates planned growth in new program areas.
Establishes, implements, and monitors the department’s capital and operating budget to achieve defined targets
Creates annual operating budget and is accountable for monthly financial performance
Creates and implements new and replacement capital requests and departmental projects
Partners with leadership to advance improvement initiatives and opportunities
Leads the development and implementation of approaches to attain maximum quality and efficiency of service provision
Supports continuous quality improvement initiatives
Monitors and reports on departmental regulatory compliance
Monitors and reports upon departmental productivity (statistics) and works with the management team to strategize means to maximize output. Develops tools/metrics necessary to adequately assess departmental performance
Incorporates results of compliance audits in the improvement of services and enhancement of patient care
Develops and maintains a quality management system which allows for consistent evaluation and improvement of services and products in relation to physician and patient care requirements. Documents all significant activities and takes corrective action as necessary.
Designs and implements clinical protocols and quality improvements
Develops systems for improvement of the division’s services provided in relation to physician and patient care requirements.
Ensures quality metrics are achieved
Involved in patient care issue follow-up
Incorporates results of QM audits in the improvement of services and enhancement of patient care
Clearly identifies the internal and external customer(s) for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and their respective requirements/expectations.
Actively participates in department rounding with internal and external customers to identify and implement solutions and/or interventions as appropriate.
Translates organizational vision into division vision that engages staff in contributing to and achieving that vision.
Provides daily, just-in-time feedback to improve performance and self-esteem of staff.
Tracks coaching discussions and actual performance of associates to ensure accountability.
Seeks ways to match staff members’ talents and career interests with organizational opportunities.
Continually examines ways to improve relationships with customers, suppliers, community, etc.
Seeks and is open to new ideas from a wide range of sources; encourages others to share knowledge and best practices.