Laboratory Assistant (FGP) - OB/GYN, IVF

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Position Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Laboratory Assistant (FGP) - OB/GYN, IVF.

In this role, the successful candidate This is a non-exempt position responsible for performing a variety of administrative and staff support duties for the Embryology and Andrology Laboratories at NYU Langone Fertility Center.

This position reports to the Embryology and Andrology Laboratory Supervisors, Manager, Cryostorage Manager and Laboratory Director as appropriate.

This position requires extensive training and/or experience of working in the lab and in-depth knowledge of embryology tasks enabling the candidate to speak with patients and provide information specifically related to their individual case.

The role of Laboratory Assistant requires an understanding of NYULFC workflows and the complex processes involved in fertility treatment to ensure all relevant staff and records are continuously updated for individual cases.

Fertility Care is an intricate field of medicine involving fresh and frozen reproductive tissue, gametes and embryos, and has a profound impact on the individuals involved (intended parents and the resulting children).

Fertility Center Laboratory Assistants function in the areas of Embryology, Andrology and Cryostorage management. Each area will have specific responsibilities and as a result, the roles of the Laboratory Assistant will vary.

Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities (Embryology and Andrology)

1. Greet patients, provide instructions for specimen collection/transport, receive/send/accession fresh and frozen specimens.

2. Accurately document all aspects of laboratory procedure in associated written and digital transcription formats. Enter patient data in EMR and other databases, record Quality Control (QC) data for laboratory equipment monitoring, media and supply testing. Requires proficiency with EMR and software programs such as MS Excel and Word.

3. Respond to lab related questions from physicians, clinical and administrative staff, patients, and outside vendors.

4. Checks laboratory emails and patient portal with appropriate follow up action - answer calls, make important notations on patient records, inform laboratory staff of important updates, and document and/or track Embryology Daily Schedule (EDS).

5. Scan and upload lab reports and records to EMR. Retrieve and file patient charts.

6. Prepare culture dishes and aliquot media.

7. Accession incoming specimens and log out specimens being sent out to reference laboratories, other clinics or storage facilities.

8. Function as witness for embryologists and other laboratory staff performing procedures. Witnessing or spotting is a critical step to verify correct patient information and unique specimen identifiers prior to performing laboratory procedures.

9. Prepare, package, and track frozen biopsy specimens for courier pickup and transportation to the appropriate reference lab.

10. Communicate with couriers and outside labs.

11. Schedule procedures utilizing knowledge and understanding of procedure types, timing requirements and prioritization needs.

12. Review patient consents and treatment plans for upcoming cycles to ensure all associated consents and details are completed accurately, per lab Requisitions.

13. Review data entry at end of cycle for completeness and accuracy

14. Performs ancillary procedures required to control for and improve the quality of services provided by the laboratory (include the preparation and labeling of media and tissue culture materials, media and supply testing, equipment monitoring).

15. Perform and record laboratory Quality Control checks and address outliers; notify supervisor as appropriate or when any data points are outside acceptable of parameters.

16. Order and maintain inventory of laboratory consumables and other supplies.

17. Safely handle and package medical waste as per NYULFC protocols.

18. Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment as per NYULFC protocols.

19. Perform other miscellaneous job duties as determined by laboratory leadership.

Job Responsibilities (Cryostorage)

1. Review and approve patient consent forms for final disposition of cryopreserved specimens. Organize specimens and paperwork accordingly while awaiting final disposition to either discard or donate to research.

2. Carefully handle and/or function as witness to verify specimens during disposal process.

3. Respond directly to patient and staff storage inquiries by phone, email, and patient portal regarding their cryopreserved specimens. Requires understanding of embryology clinical notations related to specimen quality, pre-implantation genetic testing results, and the ability to accurately convey specimen information to patients in a sensitive and compassionate manner.

4. Monitor embryology and cryostorage group email inboxes; respond as appropriate.

5. Provide support to other Fertility Center departments and Fertility Center business partners regarding cryopreserved specimen information.

6. Work closely with Program Manager to maintain tissue bank organization. Including, but not limited to, conducting clinic inventory, relocating specimens, new storage tank configuration, and retirement/disposal of old storage tanks.

7. Update paper and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) before and after handling specimens in a timely and accurate manner. Requires sharp attention to detail to ensure all information is correct and available to clinical teams through EMR.

8. Handle, coordinate and track shipments of cryopreserved tissue (eggs, embryos, sperm) into and out of the NYULFC per SOPs.

9. Interact directly with patients to clarify their intent, obtain applicable consents, explain process and provide clear instructions.

10. Correspond with patients and outside facilities to obtain records relevant to transport process.

11. Coordinate with outside facilities and couriers to schedule shipments utilizing knowledge and understanding of shipment types, timing requirements and prioritization needs.

12. Monitor shipments to ensure timely receipt, pickup and delivery.

13. Physically handle frozen specimens with utmost respect and care during loading and unloading procedures.

14. Function as witness for embryologists and other laboratory staff performing procedures. Witnessing or spotting is a critical step to verify correct patient information and unique specimen identifiers prior to performing laboratory procedures.

15. Update paper and digital records following transport procedures, including cryopreservation records, EMR, transport list, and associated accession/tracking logs.

16. Tracking of donor egg bank specimens and cycles, including data entry and outcome reporting.

17. Data entry and tracking of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) results and associated interpretations into patient EMR.

18. Notify Manager immediately of any discrepancies, occurrences or issues encountered on the job.

19. Safely dispense and utilize liquid nitrogen for disposal and transport procedures.

20. Strictly adhere to all tissue handling policies and procedures.

21. Perform other duties as assigned in times of high volume, inspections or as identified by leadership.

22. May be assigned other lab assistant tasks with appropriate training as needed.

Quality Control

1. Dispose of biological specimens in designated hazard containers.

2. Report equipment malfunctions to senior personnel promptly.

3. Follow departmental procedures and instructions.

4. Adhere to universal precautions for bloodborne pathogens and in accordance with procedures developed by the Program management.

5. Verify status of patient consent compliance related to cryostorage procedures.

Judgment/Decision Making

1. Seek information and ask for assistance from senior personnel when necessary regarding difficult or questionable clinical information or results.

2. Report untoward result or incident to senior personnel and prepare documentation as requested.

Initiative

1. Assume responsibility for on-going professional development and continuing education.

2. Volunteer assistance to others when assigned work is completed.

3. Seek additional tasks when the assigned work is completed.

4. Maintain a clean and safe working environment.

Planning and Utilization

1. Demonstrate alertness and adaptability to change in schedule and work conditions, respond appropriately.

2. Use time effectively by completing all assigned tasks.

3. Demonstrate the ability to recognize and deal with priorities

Additional Position Specific Responsibilities

Attendance

1. Partake in weekend and holiday coverage as required and appropriate.

2. Provide proper notification of absences or tardiness.

3. Arriv