Job Description
Trans Ova Genetics has an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Professional Services Embryologist in Sioux Center, IA! Our ideal candidate for this position is someone who is passionate about livestock, reproductive technology, and thrives off client satisfaction. In this role, you would have the opportunity to apply embryology not only in the laboratory, but also on farm. The Professional Services Embryologist plays a vital role in the success of our on-farm trips by providing laboratory support for services such as OPUs, embryo transfers, and flush procedures. This position also assists in laboratory procedures at our main farm in Sioux Center, IA and is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with our clients.
Trans Ova Genetics provides in-depth training that provides a solid foundation prior to supporting client production. As a member of this team, up to 50% travel would be required during the busy season of February-July/November-December and approximately 20% travel during the off-season. This full time opportunity is available immediately and offers benefits such as flexible scheduling, paid time off, 401K, insurance, and many other amazing perks!
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinates on farm trips to other Trans Ova day centers.
- Maintains professional relationships with Trans Ova clients, including following up and calling on clients to reflect Trans Ova’s industry position.
- Seasonally assist veterinarians or technicians with fresh and frozen embryo transfers on farm in the Great Plains.
- Sets up filters, medias and supplies used during the collection of embryos.
- Prepares, sets up, and organizes work area for oocyte searching and evaluation for IVF.
- Prepares search, holding, wash and freezing media.
- Appropriately rinses, searches, washes, and accurately grades conventional embryos according to IETS protocols.
- Grading IVF embryos for fresh transfers or to freeze embryos for storage in liquid nitrogen.
- Maintains good laboratory techniques and follows lab protocol.
- Monitors and records temperatures, lot numbers, and other appropriate information.
- Appropriately labels straws, canes and goblets according to Trans Ova policy and IETS protocol.
- Completes documentation of pertinent information in daily log book to record accurate records.
- Keeps accurate inventory and reorders supplies when needed.
- Monitors and fills nitrogen storage tanks when needed.
- Communicates openly and honestly with sales, marketing, production team members, recipient herdsman and embryologist manager.
- Inputs data from flushes and transfers on farm.
- Records incoming and outing embryos to maintain embryo inventories.
- Follows Trans Ova’s policies
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Education Requirements
B.S. in Agricultural related studies or Biology or a Veterinary Technician degree.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Ability to travel during seasonal spikes (February – June, November & December) up to five days a week. Ability to put in long days (up to 14 hours) and overnight travel during the seasonal spikes.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to sit for long periods of time.
Other Skills/experience
Good hand to eye coordination.
Strong attention to detail and organization.
Must have valid driver’s license.
Must be able to operate a company vehicle.
Good communication and client service skills.
About Us
Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies.
Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.
TOG has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. URUS is a holding company with cooperative and private ownership and is positioned at the heart of the dairy and beef industry. Its family of companies include AgSource, Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS , with each having its own unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS Group has 26 operating companies in 15 countries and employs approximately 2,400 people.
