Embryology Laboratory Associate

Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as an Embryology Laboratory Associate as part of the Clinical Embryology team, within Gateshead Fertility to provide to provide a range of fertility treatments. This role is a mix of practical protocol-driven laboratory techniques, administrative and audit duties and involves direct patient contact. You will support the clinical embryology team andcontribute to maintaining and improving quality in all aspects of the laboratory. Main duties of the job The main duties of this role are to : Perform protocol-driven laboratory techniques such as oocyte retrieval and andrology procedures , as well as the preparation of culture dishes, using sterile techique. The candidate should possess good dexterity and a meticulous approach to lab skills. Contribute to the maintenance of the laboratory, from cleaning and quality assurance of medical equipment, stock management and traceability and maintainance of storage dewar including regular handling of liquid nitrogen. Important skills are accurate date recording, high standards of care and communication with colleagues. Maintenance of specialised databases, patient records, review of consents and blood work and participation in audit. Participation in a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, nurses, medical staff and administrative staff and communication with patients About us Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead. Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients. We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region. Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement. We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks. The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us. Details Date posted 14 September 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 297-8117061 Job locations Queen Elizabeth Hospital Sheriff Hill Gateshead NE9 6SX United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Prepare the laboratory environment for handling specimens. Appropriately identify patients, show them into the semen production room and give instructions for semen production. Safe handling of liquid nitrogen, including filling of storage dewars and preparing dry shipper for use. Handling gametes and embryos into and out of liquid nitrogen. Formal witnessing of tasks as required by the HFEA. Correct use of medical devices, as per standard operating procedures. Andrology techniques such as basic semen analysis, semen preparation for clinical use, processing of surgically retrieved sperm and semen freezing. Oocyte retrieval. Preparation of culture dishes and aliquoting of media for use in embryological procedures, using sterile technique. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide the highest standard of patient care. To assist with stock control, traceability and ordering of consumables to ensure that laboratories are appropriately stocked. To assist with quality control assessments and other daily monitoring of critical laboratory equipment. To assist with monitoring and maintaining the liquid nitrogen storage facilities. To assist embryologists with cryobank organisation, audits and billing. To check appropriate consents are in place and signed. To check appropriate blood work results are completed. To develop and maintain accurate written and computerisedrecords of all procedures undertaken in the laboratory, including the use of specialised databases. To book appointments. To enter results accurately onto computer records. To liaise with other Units/Centres and assist in preparation of paperwork for import/export of gametes and embryos. Job description Job responsibilities Prepare the laboratory environment for handling specimens. Appropriately identify patients, show them into the semen production room and give instructions for semen production. Safe handling of liquid nitrogen, including filling of storage dewars