Research Associate

Embryologist AssociateUnder the immediate direction of the Embryology Lab Supervisor, coordinates and participates in clinical laboratory activities as an embryologist. These activities include egg retrievals, embryo transfers, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), fertilization of eggs, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Assisted Hatching (AH), sperm preparation, embryo culturing, embryo evaluation and monitoring and cryopreservation of embryos, eggs and sperm, and cryostorage of embryos, eggs and sperm.Essential Responsibilities:Under the immediate direction of the Embryology Lab Supervisor, coordinates and participates in clinical laboratory activities as an embryologist. Competency expectation includes Andrology lab skills including sperm washes and semen preparation for IUI and IVF, as well as competency in most Embryology skills including: egg retrievals, embryo transfers, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), fertilization of eggs, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Assisted Hatching (AH), sperm and specimen preparation, QC, embryo culturing, embryo evaluation and monitoring, cryopreservation of embryos, eggs and sperm and cryostorage of embryos, eggs and sperm.Consults internally with clinicians and providers on technical issues, patient care management, and test interpretation/selection.Work collaboratively with the physicians and staff in both the IVF Center as well as the satellite facilities.Work collaboratively with larger management team including IVF Lab Director, IVF Program Director, IVF Medical Director and REI/IVF Manager.Ensure that all IVF lab services are provided with the highest quality of care in accordance with CAP, CLIA, NCQA, Title 22, FDA and SART Req.Establishes implements and maintains clinical laboratory service standards to meet member and internal client expectations that are deemed essential, this includes monitoring results, equipment and laboratory information, while ensuring that meticulous standards for quality control/assurance and risk management are met.As requested by the IVF Lab Supervisor, participates in design of laboratory safety and security systems, hazardous waste management, chemical hygiene and injury prevention programs.Keeps current with technological developments through literature search, seminars, and other mode of communication.As assigned by IVF Lab Supervisor, authors and communicates technical procedures and presentations to internal KP clinicians.Kaiser Permanente conducts compensation reviews of positions on a routine basis. At any time, Kaiser Permanente reserves the right to reevaluate and change job descriptions, or to change such positions from salaried to hourly pay status. Such changes are generally implemented only after notice is given to affected employees.Basic Qualifications:One year of experience in an IVF laboratory or current enrollment/completion of a certificate-based training program.Education:Bachelors degree in chemistry, biology, epidemiology or other related science with coursework in mathematics, statistics and physics.License, Certification, Registration:N/AAdditional Requirements:Must have demonstrated ability to make independent judgment, prioritize work under varied and urgent conditions, maintain accurate lab data, clearly understand and respond to test results, and communicate effectively with physicians, nurses and other IVF center staff.Must meet quality, accuracy and productively expectations of the department, while maintaining confidentiality and a safe work environment.Must have legible handwriting and demonstrated good attendance and reliability assist with the logistics necessary for normal functioning of laboratory, e.g. inventory control, quality assurance and quality control procedures, as well as maintenance of laboratory records and entry of patient information into IVF lab database.Must communicate well in English and exhibit effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate care and concern while dealing efficiently and courteously with patients, customers, staff and providers.Knowledge of computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet design, and database application.Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills.Must be able to provide weekend and holiday coverage as needed.Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.Preferred Qualifications:Preferred two (2) years of experience supporting an IVF lab.Comprehensive training & experience in most aspects of ART clinical lab technologies, tissue culture, Andrology, semen analysis, egg retrieval, assessment, and transfer, sperm and embryo cryopreservation and micromanipulation.Masters Degree in related field preferred.