This is a Temporary Full Time position for up to 12 months

The Andrologist/Embryologist has a practical and theoretical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART). The overall role is to apply their array of skills along with other members of a multidisciplinary team to aid patients in achieving a pregnancy. Duties involve highly complex activities performed within the ART laboratory according to protocols described in the MSF Andrology/Embryology Laboratory Procedure Manual (Relevant Folders in the Paradigm Document Database). The Andrologist/Embryologist will be responsible for receipt and processing of sperm, oocytes and surgically-retrieved testicular and ovarian tissue. The position also includes procedures for conventional IVF insemination, embryo culture and assessment and embryo freezing and thawing. Development of SOP’s, documentation and reporting are also part of the Embryologist’s responsibilities.

About Mount Sinai Fertility:
Mount Sinai Fertility is committed to making the best options available to patients seeking to create families and preserve their fertility while supporting their overall health and well-being. We are an ambulatory unit, open 7 days a week with 2 satellite locations in the Greater Toronto Area. Our average annual number of treatment cycles is 3,400. As a teaching hospital, we help train the next generation of fertility professionals. We offer a wide range of fertility treatments including: Cycle Monitoring, Timed Intercourse, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT), Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), Medically Indicated Fertility Preservation, Egg Freezing and Sperm Banking.

In this role you will:

• Prepare sperm for either pretreatment evaluation (semen analysis W.H.O standards) or therapeutic treatment such as IUI and IVF/ICSI
• Prepare, process and isolate sperm for ICSI from surgical testicular samples (PESA, TESA, mTESE)
• Perform cryobanking of sperm and testicular biopsies according to MSF SOP’s
• Handle receipt and initial review of donor sperm samples according Health Canada Safety of Sperm and Ova Regulations
• Thaw donor sperm samples for treatment
• Maintain clear documentation of all technical procedures and cryobank records
• Participate in oocyte retrieval procedures and assessment of human oocytes
• Inseminate oocytes using conventional IVF
• Assess fertilization and embryo development at all stages using standardized morphological criteria
• Prepares and performs embryo transfer with or without assisted hatching;
• Perform:
  • Cryopreservation of embryos/blastocysts
  • Thaws of frozen embryos and assessment of embryo survival for transfer
  • Daily maintenance and QC/QA for andrology-related laboratory area and equipment
• Participate in inventory management to prevent supply shortage and potential use of expired supplies
• Interact with patients, physicians, nursing, and administrative staff
• Understand the principles and practices of laboratory aseptic techniques and share responsibility with the other laboratory staff to ensure that all techniques meet the prescribed QC/QA standards and procedures as described in the standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Work proficiently with computers and clinic-related software (including eIVF and MS office)
• Participate in laboratory Quality Management programs including those required by Accreditation Canada
• Participate in academic presentations, research projects and educational activities consistent with the mission and values of the Mount Sinai Fertility Program
• Report occurrences, non-conformities and deviations from standard operating procedure using the program’s reporting process and software (“SAFER”)
• Process surgically-retrieved ovarian and testicular tissue for cryopreservation with programmable freeze-control system (Development of this process is a key component for the contract position)
• Perform other duties consistent with the job classification, as required

Job Requirements

Job Requirements:

Mandatory

• Bachelor of Science degree (Master’s preferred) in a related field (e.g. biological science, reproductive biology, animal science) from an accredited education institution

• A minimum of 2 years relevant and related training/work experience is required before full work independence is possible. Micromanipulation procedures (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and Embryo Biopsy) are part of a more advanced laboratory position and will likely require significantly longer for full independence.

Preferred

• Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) Certification (Required within 2 years of hiring)

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication skills are essential for routine interaction with clinical and administrative team members as well as with MSF patients;
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate collaboratively and effectively in a complex environment, with both internal and external stakeholders and partners
• Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to sensitively communicate with patients/families in vulnerable situations while protecting patient’s privacy
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills required
• Proven attention to detail
• Proven commitment to work effectively both independently and within an interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organization, time management, program planning and evaluation skills
• Demonstrated decision making, problem recognition/solving, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to utilize information technology
• Must be able to work holiday and weekend rotations
• Demonstrated satisfactory work performance and attendance history

If this sounds like you and you feel ready to build your career within fertility, apply now and let us know why you’d be a great addition to our team.