Scientific Practitioner | Liverpool Women\'s NHS Foundation Trust

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two scientific practitioners to support our team at The Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool on a permanent basis.

Successful applicants will be required to actively participate in semen analyses, semen preparations and oocyte collections along with routine laboratory preparation and maintenance.

Please note that successful applicants will need to provide cover at both Liverpool and Knutsford sites on occasion.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the andrologists and embryologists at The Hewitt Fertility Centres and perform laboratory procedures including oocyte collections and semen preparations, while maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in the laboratory.
• Become fully proficient in egg collections, semen analysis and sperm preparations, IVF inseminations and other procedures associated with therapeutic treatment provided by the Hewitt Fertility Centre.
• Participate in the treatment of patients with known high risk diseases (e.g., Hepatitis B and C and HIV).
• Witness procedures as required by the HFEA to ensure correct identification of patients, gametes (oocytes and sperm) and fresh and frozen embryos.
• Be proficient in preparation and setup for treatment cycles and use the computer database systems used by the Hewitt Fertility Centre, carrying out required administrative duties in the embryology laboratory.
• Assist in maintaining clean room laboratories to the highest degree of cleanliness and tidiness.
• Perform a daily audit of all equipment to ensure proper functioning within critical parameters.
• Assist with daily stock-monitoring and weekly stock and consumable checks; receive and record deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain liquid nitrogen storage facilities; handle liquid nitrogen and storage vessels in line with safe practices.
• Receive and direct gametes from patients, obtaining requisite identifying information and other necessary data.
• Liaise directly with Clinical Embryologists, Hewitt Centre staff and other hospital staff to ensure timely and accurate information exchange.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide high standards of patient care.
• Participate in induction demonstrations for new staff and participate in external QA schemes (UK NEQAS) in accordance with World Health Organisation and UKAS standards to maintain accreditation.
• Work flexibly across all Hewitt Fertility Centre sites, including out-of-hours work and weekend rota as required.
• Assist in audit requirements of the Embryology Laboratory and follow procedures, standards and protocols to ensure the best clinical outcomes with meticulous attention to detail.
• Operate in accordance with the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act (1990), the HFEA Code of Practice, and other relevant regulations.
• Be prepared to work at Hewitt Centre Laboratories at other hospitals including Knutsford, Leighton Hospital in Crewe and Ormskirk General Hospital as required.
• Undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience in clinical embryology/andrology laboratories is preferred but not essential; familiarity with the HFEA code of practice is advantageous.
• Personable with excellent communication skills to interact with patients and colleagues; a strong team player.
• Willingness to provide coverage across multiple sites and to work flexibly, including out-of-hours and weekend rotes.
• Proficiency with laboratory computer database systems and willingness to carry out administrative duties in the embryology laboratory.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and tidiness in clean room laboratories.
• Ability to participate in QA schemes and maintain UKAS accreditation.

This advert closes on Thursday 2 Oct 2025