Duke University Health System Job Description: |
| Job Title: EMBRYOLOGIST | Job Code: 4633 |
| FLSA: N | Pay Target: G2 |
| Date: 08/01/2026 | Supervisory Responsibility: No |
The Embryologist performs the full range of andrology and core embryology procedures in the human in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory under the oversight of the Senior and Lead Embryologists. Responsibilities include independent execution of routine andrology and embryology procedures, maintenance of embryo and gamete cultures, accurate laboratory documentation, and adherence to quality and regulatory standards. The Embryologist builds proficiency in micromanipulation techniques (ICSI, assisted hatching, biopsy) under supervision and contributes to the laboratory's performance across all assisted reproductive technologies.
Technical Procedures:
- Independent performance of routine andrology and core embryology (assisted reproductive) procedures.
Laboratory Operations:
- Maintain embryo and gamete cultures under strictly controlled laboratory conditions to ensure optimal developmental outcomes.
- Maintain cryopreserved specimen storage, including accurate labeling, traceability, inventory control, billing protocols, and coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments of gametes and embryos.
- Maintain laboratory inventory of materials, supplies, and consumables; ensure timely reordering to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely laboratory documentation within fertility???specific and enterprise medical record systems (including BabySentry, RI Witness, and EPIC).
- Assists with routine maintenance, functionality, evaluation, and validation of laboratory equipment; assist in setting up new equipment and recommend improvements as needed.
- Assists in the development, implementation, validation, and standardization of laboratory methods, techniques, reagents, and solutions used in diagnostic and clinical applications.
Analyze, interpret, and validate laboratory results under oversight; communicate findings to physicians, nursing staff, and provide clinical updates and education to patients as appropriate. Escalates complex cases to Sr. or Lead Embryologist.
Ensure strict adherence to laboratory protocols to maintain complete gamete and embryo traceability at all times.
Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:
- Adhere to and support laboratory compliance with all applicable regulatory and accrediting agencies (SART/CDC, CAP, CLIA, FDA, JCAHO).
- Maintain individual proficiency testing standards and competency thresholds established by the Laboratory Director.
- Participate in QA/QI initiatives designed by the Lead Embryologist.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
| Education: | Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Zoology, Biochemistry or other related scientific field. |
| Experience: | Minimum 2 years of clinical/research experience within a reproductive lab and/or andrology lab. An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in biology, zoology, biochemistry, reproductive biology, embryology, or a related scientific field may substitute for 1 year of the required experience. |
| Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification: | N/A |
| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: | Ability to work collaboratively and escalate appropriately. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others. Ability to remain focused and organized. Excellent customer service skills including prioritizing the needs of patients and team members while displaying empathy in all interactions to ensure complete satisfaction. Ability to analyze, evaluate multiple solutions and solve problems using well developed critical & analytical thinking skills. Excellent time management skills needed to prioritize among many competing priorities, including time sensitive procedures. Attention to detail needed to operate accurately and effectively. Adaptability to changing technologies and protocols. Adaptability to competing priorities. Willingness to adapt to high pace and fast changing situations. Proficiency in all routine andrology procedures; developing proficiency in ICSI, biopsy under oversight: Technical andrology procedures: Daily QC, Semen volume assessment, Measurement of pH, viscosity and granulocytes, Semen preparation for sperm chromatin structure assay Sterile technique, Sperm concentration assessment, Sperm motility assessment, Sperm morphology assessment, Density gradient centrifugation, Simple wash semen preparation, Microfluidic sperm sorting technologies, Preparation of samples for Intrauterine Insemination, Sperm cryopreservation, Post-thaw analysis , Viability assessment, Processing samples from: Testicular sperm extraction, Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, Micro-TESE, and Isolation of viable sperm from processed surgical samples. Technical embryology procedures: Daily QC, Culture preparation, Sterile Technique, Embryo culture, Sperm preparation ??? conventional, Sperm preparation ??? ICSI, Oocyte maturity assessment, Fertilization assessment post ICSI, D3 embryo assessment, D5-7 embryo assessment, transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Oocyte preparation ??? denudation, Oocyte preparation - activation/calcium ionophore, Conventional insemination, Fertilization assessment post conventional insemination, Assisted hatching, Embryo transfer procedure, Embryo vitrification, Embryo warming. |
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The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
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