We are a successful 5* HFEA-rated IVF clinic based in the Department of Reproductive Medicine (DRM) at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. We serve the population of the Tees Valley, North East and Cumbria but regularly treat patients from outside of our geographical area due to our excellent reputation. Carrying out up to 400 cycles of IVF treatment each year, our department is managed by a multi-disciplinary team including lead consultant, quality manager, laboratory lead and lead nurse. To complete our team we are seeking to recruit an experienced Clinical Embryologist with proven technical skills to fulfil this role.
Main duties of the job
Assisted conception procedures, IVF, ICSI, IUI, audit, quality control, equipment monitoring and maintenance. Contribute to the Department of Reproductive Medicine MDT, attend and report at departmental meetings and represent the department externally.
You will ensure the provision of a comprehensive embryology service and be an integral part of the laboratory team to ensure our continued success and future-proofing. Your extensive interpersonal skills will enable you to foster positive professional relationships with departmental leads, the wider team and wider Trust. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a comprehensive understanding of the HFEA Code of Practice, licensing regulation, the concepts of quality management and quality assurance.
Working for our organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.
Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.
We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) for main responsibilities of the role.
Person specification
Experience
- Minimum of two years as a fully qualified, state registered Clinical Scientist with HCPC (embryology).
- Fully trained and competent in all standard ART embryology procedures
- ICSI trained and currently practising
- Previous experience of working in the NHS and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Provision of own ICSI log and results.
Qualifications & Training
- State registration as a clinical scientist with the HCPC to practice as a Clinical Embryologist
- Degree in relevant scientific subject
- Qualified in a range of highly specialised ART techniques including ICSI, under-pinned with an in-depth theoretical knowledge.
Knowledge & Skills
- Ability to perform all laboratory procedures associated with the diagnostic and clinical services including semen analysis, sperm preparation (including donor, and surgically retrieved testicular and epididymal sperm), oocyte and embryo handling, gamete (ejaculated and surgically retrieved sperm) and embryo cryopreservation, clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), time-lapse technologies and other micromanipulation techniques.
- To select embryos best suited for embryo transfer and cryopreservation.
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
- Empathy with patients and the ability to respond appropriately in delicate situations.
Important - Once sufficient applications have been received this vacancy may close early.
Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS) It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who arenew to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.
Qualifications Please note the essential qualifications required for the post are outlined within the Person Specification. You are required to provide original evidence of the necessary qualifications for the post at interview should you be shortlisted.You will also be required to provide original copies as part of the pre-employment check screening.
New Starters – Probationary Period
For any new employees commencing employment with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, you will be subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Please note that internal applications and individuals that are appointed to fixed term appointments of less than 6 months duration are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or a bank member of staff).
Employment References
As part of our pre-employment screening process, all applicants are required to provide references covering their last three years employment history including any gaps. Applicants are requested toensure e-mail addressesfor all referees are included on their application form. Personal references are not acceptable.
Working Hours
If the hours advertised for the post are up to full time (37.5 hours per week), applications are still welcomed from individuals who may be seeking to work less than full-time hours and all requests will be considered in line with the post being appointed to for the successful applicant.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.
At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.
We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.
We are here to supportyou throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Supporting disabled people and people with long‑term conditions
We are a Disability Confident committed employer aspiring to become a lead employer in 2026.
This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.
If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at Stees.Recruitment1@nhs.net or call us on 01642 854610
Right to Work in the UK
The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship hereWork in the UK - GOV.UK ( www.gov.uk ).
Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.
Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.
Further Important Information
Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.
Please ensure you read the ‘Guidance Notes for Applicants’ document attached to this advert before completing and submitting your application.
Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Catherine Bedford Job title Department Manager Email address catherine.bedford1@nhs.net Telephone number 01642 854856 Additional information
Dr Padma Manda
Consultant Gynaecologist and Person Responsible
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Senior Clinical Embryologist employer: South Tees
University Hospitals Tees is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills through established training programmes and access to postgraduate courses. Located in Middlesbrough, the trust offers a collaborative culture where team members can thrive while contributing to outstanding patient care across multiple sites.
