This is a position for a Technical Laboratory Supervisor (TLS) with extensive clinical experience in the embryology lab and leadership duties.
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The main duty is the operational oversight of the lab team, providing technical oversight of lab procedures and training.
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The operational oversight is to maintain the daytoday operation of the lab, in accordance with the written lab Standard Operating Procedures. Operational oversight duties include maintenance of adequate staff to perform procedures, supervision of personnel performance, monitoring procedures, incidents, remedial actions, personnel orientation, training and competency, and effective communication with the lab director and medical director, participate on the risk management committee to provide a smooth and seamless functioning of the lab.
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Provides direct supervision when procedures are being performed to assure that procedures are followed and performed accurately.
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Must be accessible to testing personnel at all times testing is performed to
provide on-site consultation to resolve technical problems in accordance with policies and procedures.
The TSL supervisor works under indirect supervision in performing assigned duties and responsibilities according to the specifications outlined in CFS's Protocol Manuals.
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Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D./M.D.Degree in Biological Sciences, Medical Technology or equivalent
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At least 5 yrs exp in human IVF including Micromanipulation
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Experience as a team leader, preferred.
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Extensive computer literacy.
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Microscope maintenance (alignment of optics and cleaning of objectives).
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HVAC design and general operation of air system serving lab.
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Operation of backup generator unit serving vital instrumentation within lab.
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Knowledge, operation and creation of effective lab alarm systems. (LN2 alarms, Incubator alarms, gas tank alarms.)
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Have expertise knowledge of all technical and operational procedures in the lab
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Perform all lab procedures with expertise.
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Oversee lab personnel
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Ensure proper maintenance and use of all lab equipment.
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Maintain inventory.
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Organize and maintain accurate records, including patients test reports, IVF related procedures (IVF cycles, embryo freezing and thawing records) and invoices related to purchase of inventory.
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Interpret and analyze test results performed in the lab in a timely manner when reporting to referring physicians.
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Keep abreast of the latest research, evaluate and initiate new procedures to enhance the capabilities of the lab.
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Expect to respond to any problems arising with lab equipment that may occur during the night and or weekends.
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Through continual testing and retesting, the TS lab supervisor should ensure the highest order of quality control in order to maximize the efforts and resources of the lab personnel and equipment.
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Conduct ongoing research projects and should report the results to their colleagues in the form of journal articles, oral presentations or poster presentations.
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Assist the financial department in assuring appropriate and timely billing for testing services.
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Liaise between the lab and other dept.'s to disseminate information and communicate areas for continual quality improvement.
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Work cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team.
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Willingness and ability to work irregular hours as needed. Work weekends and holidays as scheduled, inclusive of oncall responsibilities.
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Assist the financial department in assuring appropriate and timely billing for testing services.
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Maintain professional and technical knowledge,
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Keep abreast of the latest research, evaluate and initiate new procedures to enhance the capabilities of the lab.
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Attend professional meetings to maintain peer networks and keep abreast of new technologies and research.
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Physical activity, such as bending, lifting and climbing are necessary to adequately perform daily duties.
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Study, review and have accountability for Coastal Fertility Specialists’ Embryology Protocol Manual, Andrology Protocol Manual, Lab Equipment Manuals, Quality Management Protocol (which includes quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement), Risk Management Protocol, Emergency Manual, Computer Protocol Manual, Employee Handbook, all polices regarding Sample Accession, Identification, Labeling and Custody, ASRM & SART requirements, FDA requirements, any State Tissue Bank License requirements, if applicable, CLIA & CAP requirements.
1. Patient Contact - Discuss various tests with patients, how and why they are performed. Instruct patients on proper collection and transportation of semen specimens. Interpret lab test results for patients and referring physicians. Call IVF patients regarding fertilization results and embryo growth progress.
2. Lab Testing
3. Sample Accession, Identification and Labeling - The most critical quality control issue within an assisted reproduction (ART) lab is the system employed to ensure patient identification and patient sample identification. The Embryology lab must have absolute certainty when processing, combining and transferring
sperm, eggs and embryos. Lab personnel must verify with documentation and a witness the sources and identities of sperm, eggs, and embryos and the corresponding recipient of these reproductive tissues. All labeling must be uniform and consistent and should be permanent and legible in nature.
4. Media Preparation
5. Media Quality Control
6. Quality Control / Quality Assurance / Continuous Quality Improvement - Quality issues should be formulated and instituted by the manager in the andrology and embryology laboratories. QC should be performed each day by the technologists. At months end, QC and QA data are reviewed. Any problems should be addressed immediately by the manager and discussed with the other members of the lab. Any actions taken must be documented and stored in the appropriate quality file.
7. Local/State/Federal Certification Requirements
8. Record Keeping - All patient specimens are rigorously labeled and dated. Results of tests performed or procedures applied are recorded in appropriate logbooks or patient charts. When and where appropriate, duplicate files are maintained to avoid any possible loss of data. Test reports, QC/QA data, blood samples, etc. are stored for a period of time as recommended by many of the certifying agencies. Files and logs are clearly labeled and neatly maintained. They should be organized in such a way as to track any specimen back to an accession number, date or patient last and first name. Accuracy and precise record keeping is of critical importance. Sloppy records will not be tolerated. Complete records are equally as important. All fields of patient test reports should be completed.
9. Ordering Lab Supplies and Equipment - Do not needlessly order lab supplies
10. Care and Use of Lab Equipment
Periodic filter inspections of the HVAC unit must occur. Filters are replaced when necessary. The emergency backup generator is “exercised” on an interval deemed suitable by the manufacturer and/or service company.
These systems and equipment all need PM contracts – if suitable – and service must occur when needed.
11. In Vitro Fertilization - A checklist is strictly followed to ensure all equipment and supplies are in the operating room prior to oocyte retrieval. During this procedure, oocytes are identified, washed, graded and placed in labeled culture dishes. Sperm is prepared for insemination and placed with oocytes at an appropriate concentration. If ICSI is to be performed, eggs are hyaluronidase and assessed for maturity. ICSI is to be carried out in the least traumatic way possible. Day to day, embryos are examined and photographed if necessary. Images are saved electronically and specifically taken prior to freezing and transfer. Embryo evaluation is performed and the best embryos are chosen based on embryo grading criteria. Appropriate media and methods are to be used for extended culture to the blastocyst stage. Spare embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage are frozen using optimized freezing protocols. In addition, assisted hatching is performed when applicable. All precautions are taken to minimize damage and contamination to the oocytes. Embryos are incubated under strict temperature and CO2 controls. In case of after hour emergencies, the lab manger must be available or designate a competent alternative. Contingency plans should be in place to account for equipment failure. Oocyte, embryo and transfer observations are documented on patient IVF report sheets and ultimately filed into the patient chart and lab logs. These logs are to provide the basis for statistical evaluation of pertinent IVF pregnancy rates. They will also serve to provide the majority of the information needed by SART.
12. Embryo Freezing / Thawing - Embryos/ova are frozen using several different protocols, depending on stage of embryo development and fertilization. Embryos/ova are frozen in plastic straws and stored in canes that in turn are stored in a Liquid Nitrogen storage tank. Ampules, canes and straws are labeled with patient name, date and freezing code. This is then recorded in the freezing data book, along with embryo stage and quality grade. This log should be maintained in duplicate to prevent any loss of data. The efficacy of freeze techniques should be evaluated by cryopreserving mouse embryos/oocytes. Acceptable survival should be demonstrated before any procedure is instituted or any technologist starts to freeze human material. This should all be documented.
13. Continuing Education
14. Work Schedule - Monday through Friday, participation in holiday and weekend rotation, and possible lab emergencies.
15. Utilization of Technology
Coastal Fertility Specialists was founded by Dr. John Schnorr and Dr. Michael Slowey to create a unique, patient-centered experience in which both the clinical team and embryology laboratory are simultaneously pushing the boundaries of technology in healthcare to provide the highest levels of care possible.
