Under supervision of the Embryology Supervisor or Director, and direction of the Embryologist III, the Embryologist II performs basic technical/clinical and research duties independently, as well as assists the Embryologist III with advanced duties in the embryology laboratory. This position interfaces with the research and ancillary components of the IVF program.
Performs all the complex laboratory procedures required for an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle including identification and evaluation of human oocytes in follicular fluid, assessment and viability of recently fertilized oocytes, microinjection techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and assisted hatching with the laser, appropriate culturing of cleaved embryos and blastocysts, embryo grading and selection of human embryos for transfer.
The Embryologist II works in a collaborative relationship with the Laboratory Director and/or Supervisor and other team members, as well as with other department employees.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Conducts the full range of basic Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) laboratory procedures under the direction of the Laboratory Director and/or senior Embryologists.
- Conducts serum/media preparation with accuracy and impeccable attention to detail.
- Conducts sperm preparation to remove dead sperm and purify samples, meeting qualitative goals as measured by successful inseminations.
- Performs egg retrievals and cumulus removal, meeting established goals for average numbers of eggs retrieved.
- Performs conventional and ICSI inseminations, meeting established percentage goals for fertilization.
- Completes fertilization checks, for conventional insemination and ICSI, meeting numerical targets for the maximum number of mature eggs fertilized and placed in culture.
- Successfully performs embryo grading to select embryos for transfer, meeting goals established by Lab Director, including passing proficiency testing twice per year.
- Successfully performs embryo warming and transfers, measured by the pregnancy rate per transfer.
- Conduct procedures of embryo vitrification with meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency is measured by the percentage of recovered embryos and survival of warmed embryos.
- Learn and become proficient in advanced IVF procedures (including ICSI, Embryo biopsy, and Egg vitrification) under the guidance and direction of the Lab Director and senior Embryologists.
- Conduct daily quality control activities.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
- Ancillary duties as required to maintain a clean and operating laboratory, tank maintenance & monitoring, cleaning, and maintaining equipment, and inventory control.
- Complies with regulations and laws for human ART in the U.S. and applicable state, adheres to the policies, procedures, and rules of our Company, and assures that work is performed in accordance with American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) standards.
- Works collaboratively with the Lab Director and lab team to proactively identify evolving “best practices” as well as areas for improvement in laboratory processes and department operations.
- Meticulously follow detailed laboratory standard operating procedures as well as comply with all safety policies.
- Meets quality standards and numerical goals for laboratory procedures, as set by the Lab Director.
- Ensures that the laboratory always has appropriate and adequate supplies available for all laboratory procedures and assists with ordering as needed.
- Expected to achieve and demonstrate independent proficiency in all basic IVF procedures as determined by the Lab Director, before being considered for advancement to Embryologist.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Reproductive Biology or Animal Science required.
- Meet the College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirement for the number of Biology and/or Chemistry hours (60 semester hours that include twenty-four semester hours which must include 6 hours of chemistry, 6 hours of biology and 12 hours of a combination of biology, chemistry, or medical laboratory technology in any combination)
- Meet state specific certification/licensure requirements, if applicable
- A minimum of 2 years’ work experience in an IVF lab required.
- Successfully completed a minimum of thirty supervised procedures for new skills (30 of each type of procedure)
- Successfully completed a minimum of twenty independent procedures.
- Weekend and holiday rotation will be required, about 2 weekends a month.
Why You'll Love Working Here – Our Amazing Benefits:
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans for our full-time employees, along with complimentary basic life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and long-term disability insurance. FREE employee only healthcare coverage option is available.
Family Building Support: Take advantage of our comprehensive fertility benefits, adoption assistance, and surrogacy support to help grow your family.
Paid Parental Leave: Generous maternity, paternity, and partner leave so you can focus on what matters most.
Plenty of Paid Time Off: Start with 18 days of PTO annually and enjoy 11 paid holidays, including one floating holiday to use as you choose!
Retirement Ready: Invest in your future with our 401(k) plan, featuring a competitive company match and full vesting after just 2 years.
Lifestyle Spending Account: Access a company-funded account to reimburse expenses that boost your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.
Health Savings Account (HSA): If eligible, enjoy regular employer contributions to your HSA with every paycheck.
Rewards for Connections: Earn extra money with our Employee Referral Program—your network is invaluable!
Growth Opportunities: We support your career with continuing education reimbursement and dedicated time off for professional development.
Premium Calm Health Subscription: Enjoy a free premium Calm Health app subscription to support your mental wellness.
Emotional & Work-Life Support: Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with SupportLinc, you'll have access to emotional well-being and work-life resources whenever you need them.
Extra Peace of Mind: Explore additional coverage options including Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Pet Insurance, to suit your needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
