Senior Embryologist

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

As a recognized expert, the Senior Embryologist applies comprehensive knowledge of assisted reproduction technology (ART) laboratory techniques for reproductive health procedures. This position leads procedures for the most complex cases with the goal of providing optimum patient care. The successful candidate will be industry-recognized to continue to develop the vision for matters related to policy, research studies, and protocols. This role works in collaboration with faculty, lab managers, clinic managers, and external stakeholders and agencies to participate and support research projects conducted by the faculty members in the division in support of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Division and the REI Research Group (REIRG), within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Senior Embryologists will be expected to lead other laboratory quality control, quality assurance and quality improvements activities as assigned by Lab Supervisor and/or IVF Lab Director. Participate and support research projects conducted by the faculty members in the division is also expected. The salary range for this position is $110,400 - $235,400 (Annual Rate) – Depending on Experience. The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (OBGYN & RS) is a major academic Department in the School of Medicine, engaged in clinical, research and training activities at Parnassus, Mt. Zion, and the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital campuses; the Betty Irene Moore Women’s Hospital at Mission Bay; as well as satellite locations throughout the Bay Area; with an annual operating budget of approximately $150 million. The Department has 111 full-time faculty, 117 other academic appointees, 13 post-doctoral fellows, 20 clinical fellows, 32 residents, 138 voluntary clinical faculty, and 270 staff. The mission of the UCSF Department of OBGYN & RS is to improve the lives and health of all women through excellence, innovation and leadership in patient care, scientific discovery, education, advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Leading the way in women’s health.” The Women's Health portfolio includes reproductive health, obstetrics, gynecology, specialty women's services, and interdisciplinary programs designed to improve health outcomes and patient experience. Key initiatives focus on expanding access to care, enhancing operational efficiency, advancing health equity, supporting workforce development, integrating digital and innovative care models, and strengthening partnerships across UCSF Health and the broader community. As part of UCSF's mission of clinical excellence, education, research, and public service, Women's Health leaders and teams work collaboratively to develop scalable solutions that improve care delivery, support strategic growth, and advance the health and well-being of women and families throughout California and beyond. Reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities are available as part of the application and interview processes. If you would like to request accommodations, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager. If workplace accommodations are needed after a job offer is made, please contact the supervisor and/or Disability Management Services (DMS) at (415) 476-2621 to initiate the interactive process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life science (Biology or closely related area) and/or equivalent experience/training
10+ years of directly relevant experience
Demonstrated expertise in assisted reproduction technology (ART) laboratory techniques and industry best practices for research.
Proven ability to apply knowledge and skills to provide high quality patient care and research on unprecedented cases
Expert knowledge of Embryology Laboratory and UC policies and processes.
Thorough knowledge of all relevant industry, health and safety, federal, and state regulations
Superior eye-hand coordination
Expert in specimen, preparation and transfer ensuring specimen quantity, quality and consistency
Expert knowledge of data analysis, research and reporting, particularly in Embryology
Expert knowledge of quality assurance, quality control and process improvements
Advanced organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
Ability to follow strict protocols and to appropriately probe, challenge, and question the status quo
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.
Empathetic and aware of impact on patients, including potential liability resulting from mishandling of specimens.
Ability to explain the most complex, clinical and technical information in a clear and concise manner to technical and non-technical audiences, including faculty, lab managers, clinic managers, external stakeholders and agencies
Expertise in project management.
Proven ability to lead teams and direct projects from inception to completion on schedule
Advanced interpersonal skills to work collaboratively and support the work of others

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Biology or closely related area and/or equivalent experience/training
Certification in Embryology AND Andrology by the American Board of Bioanalysts

Responsibilities

Performs all procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures and quality control processes, including but not limited to oocyte retrieval, insemination, pronuclear assessment, embryo culture, and semen analysis.
Evaluates clinical specimens.
Prepares samples.
Selects specimens for transfer.
Independently perform all ART techniques including oocyte retrieval, identification of oocytes, general insemination, fertilization, embryo grading, transfer and cryopreservation and vitrification embryo co-culture (with the goal of providing optimum patient care)
Independently perform micromanipulation: ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection), AH (Laser-assisted Hatching), and blastomere biopsy
Independently perform blastomere fixation for blastomere biopsy
Embryo co-culture
Identify patient specimens and continually validate.
Oversees development of specimens assessing growth and quality.
Functions as a lead and critical resource in key areas within the laboratory, organization and industry to faculty, lab managers, clinic managers, senior management and external stakeholders and agencies.
Trains professional laboratory staff to ensure proficiency in all policies and procedures.
Encourages development in specialty and continuing education to develop laboratory techniques.
Educates visiting personnel, provides tours, background and information.
Participates in clinical and research projects and activities conducted in the lab/clinic.
Makes recommendations for embryology standards, goals, strategy and planning, supporting recommendations with industry and technical knowledge.
Participates in continual process improvement, quality assurance, and quality control including self-reporting of lab errors.
Communicate effectively with patients and clinic staff.
Make appropriate recommendations.
Utilizes various ART techniques with the goal of providing optimum patient care
Provides analysis and recommendations to Lab Director and supervisors in all aspects of Laboratory management including protocol design, analysis, and implementation and update procedure manual.
Records all tests and procedures in laboratory information system establishing innovative ways to monitor and measure outcomes and improve quality control.
Regularly performs complex and varied analyses of test results.
Oversees compliance with applicable regulatory and licensing requirements, reviews and updates protocols, lab agreements and standard operating procedures to ensure they reflect new developments, updated regulatory requirements, and best practices.
Maintains all lab equipment.
Supports Director of Reproductive Laboratories/Fertility Preservation Program, in articulating the road-map for research program with strategic perspective on impact to resources, technology and industry;
Makes formal presentations, white papers, attends invitational panel discussions framing the direction for future research potential.
Based on continued Certification from American Board of Bioanalysts in Embryology and Andrology improves protocols and clinical techniques and makes recommendations on policy changes.
Applies deep sub-specialty knowledge to provide strategic advice to division about best techniques for treatment.