Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the closing
date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, all
shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you
check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding
interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will
receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
General Conditions 05.08
NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB
IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Reproductive Laboratory Technologist
Department(s)/Location Assisted Conception Unit
Women & Child Health
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
Number of job holders
Two wte
2. JOB PURPOSE
To assist the embryology team by performing a range of specific tasks, in accordance with
standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Unit management
Person responsible
Clinical team
Nursing team
Lab team
Admin team
Lead Clinical Embryologist
Senior Clinical Embryologists
Trainee/junior clinical embryologist
Lab Technologist (this post)
Clinical support worker
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
Working within regulations, policies and standard operating procedures.
Working under supervision and instruction from embryologists.
Reporting to Clinical Embryologists.
To assist the embryology/andrology team
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
General Conditions 05.08
Andrologist
Legal Aspects
Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Practice of the Human Fertilisation & Embryology
Authority.
Induction Standards & Code of Conduct
Your performance must comply with the national “Mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare
Support Workers in Scotland” 2009; and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support
Workers.
Andrology Skills
 Specialist skills necessary to enable the post holder to perform, unaided, all aspects of
andrology laboratory procedures necessary to provide a comprehensive assisted conception
service. Including a wide range of competencies
These are namely but not exclusively:1. To take responsibility for own workload and scheduling as appropriate.
2. Andrology skills to enable the post holder to undertake andrological laboratory
procedures including primary care referral for semen analysis, post vasectomy
semen assessment
3. Cryopreservation of sperm, including storage as part of an Oncology service and
banking of donor sperm
4. Semen analysis and preparation for treatment (IUI, IVF, ICSI including the
preparation of surgically recovered sperms)
5. Competent in interpretation of semen parameters relative to WHO standards
6. To work to internal and external quality standards including participation in an
external quality assurance scheme
7. The receipt and processing of samples as dictated in a Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) and including entry into a dedicated lab-based computer system.
This involves a significant amount of accurate data entry ensuring correct patient
and sample identification
8. The completion of detailed and accurate records of all laboratory activities
Embryology Skills
 Specialist skills necessary to enable the post holder to perform, unaided, specific aspects of
embryology laboratory procedures. Including a wide range of competencies
These are namely but not exclusively:9. To take responsibility for own workload and scheduling as appropriate.
10. Skills to perform oocyte identification and collection unaided
11. Embryo culture
12. Embryo cryopreservation and thaw
13. Labelling and preparation of culture dishes
14. The entry into a dedicated lab-based computer system. This involves a significant
amount of accurate data entry ensuring correct patient and sample identification
15. The completion of detailed and accurate records of all laboratory activities
16. To communicate within the lab team, reporting to Clinical Embryologists, and within
multidisciplinary team of ACU.
17. To communicate effectively with patients with respect to andrology.
Research and Development
To participate in any laboratory research and/or development project
To take responsibility for own personal development plan, undertaking learning opportunities
Participate in personal development review with reviewer
General Conditions 05.08
Evaluate the effectiveness of learning activities and keep a record of continuing professional
development
Contribute to service development through sharing of ideas, evaluation and feedback
Quality Management System
Undertake electronic input of data and participation in audit.
To assist with audit of cryostorage facility.
Undertake batch testing of laboratory consumables.
Undertake equipment function tests.
To contribute to the review of Standard Operating Procedures, and develop new SOP’s as directed
Service Provision
To perform procedures promptly, efficiently and effectively to completion
Participation in a Weekend rota.
General Housekeeping: maintaining the supply of lab consumables and lab records, photocopying
and filing of records ensuring efficient use of resources.
Cleaning of the laboratory and lab equipment.
Other responsibilities
Maintain a portfolio for the purposes of continuing professional development, CPD.
Hold associate membership of the Association of Clinical Embryologists
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will be accountable to the Lead Clinical Embryologist.
The principal area of communication for the post holder is to Clinical Embryologists, both verbally
and in writing. Findings and results must be communicated clearly and accurately to seniors within
the lab team. The post holder will be required to take and relay messages accurately and maintain
accurate records.
Although working autonomously in areas, within their competence, the post holder will be
responsible to a clinical scientist within the department as shown on the organisational chart. They
will communicate with a training officer, Health and Safety Officer and line manager in relation to
progress and personal development plan and knowledge and skills framework.
In addition the post holder will communicate with
 patients regarding producing samples and when to expect results
 all staff within the multidisciplinary team.
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Qualifications
BSc in biomedical sciences.
Institute of Biomedical Science certificate of competence preferred; and to be registered with the
Health Care Professions Council or be working towards it.
Knowledge and Experience
Knowledge and understanding of the HF&E act and the HFEA Code of Practice
Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and COSHH
Experience of aseptic technique to facilitate the attainment of andrology and embryology skills as
well as good physical dexterity/hand eye coordination
Computing skills, spreadsheet experience
Personal Attributes
General Conditions 05.08
To work as a team member both as a member of the lab team and within the multidisciplinary team
of the ACU
8. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
Participate in audit of practices
Participate in Quality Management Systems
Data entry into databases
The use and maintenance of microscopes
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical skills
Dexterity to facilitate handling and manipulation of gametes.
Microscopic observational skills to facilitate scoring of sperm parameters.
Physical effort
Andrology requires periods of concentration of up to two hours, mostly microscope based.
Data input would be expected to take up to two hours per week.
Oocyte retrieval can take up to an hour per procedure requiring sustained focus and patience
Lab cleaning can be a strenuous task and is performed weekly with an annual deep clean
Mental effort
Maintain knowledge of current professional developments e.g. through literature review.
Participation in service evaluation, audit and troubleshooting
Participation in a Journal club; giving presentations in rotation with other members of the lab
team/students.
Emotional effort
Involvement with patients undergoing treatment for life threatening illnesses
Awareness of treatment outcomes including failed fertilisation, treatment failure, non-continuing
pregnancy and complications associated with pregnancy
Working conditions
Within OHSAS and COSHH
The handling of body fluids including semen and follicular fluid which may be infected with blood
borne viruses.
Treatment of known carriers of blood borne viruses
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Working to standard operating procedures, autonomously within competence.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Learning and performing a range of tests, progressing competence.
Maintaining concentration
Journal club participation
General Conditions 05.08
POST REF NO:
D/LB/08/15
JOB TITLE/BAND: Reproductive Laboratory Technologist/ Band 5 – Fixed Term/Secondment
LOCATION: ACU, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
HOURS: 37.5 per week
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Laboratory work experience
including cell culture
Aseptic technique
Andrology
EXPERIENCE:
BSc in Biological or Biomedical
Science
Institute of Biomedical
Science certificate of
competence
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
Computer skills
Microscope skills
Communication skills
HFEA Code of Practice
Health & Safety legislation
PROFESSIONAL
Working towards HCPC
registration
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
Personal qualities
OTHER:
(eg travel across Tayside)
General Conditions 05.08
To work as a team member.
A high degree of manual dexterity
is required within a restricted
working environment'
Flexible working hours
Rotation weekend working
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/LB/08/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE: Reproductive Laboratory Technologist, Band 5 – Secondment/Fixed Term
LOCATION:
ACU, Ninewels Hospital
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £21,818 to £28,462 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
This is a fixed term/secondment post until 31 March 2016 as
a result of fixed term funding.
Internal applicants: Written approval must be sought from your
line manager prior to applying for this secondment. You will be
required to bring this if shortlisted for interview.
Superannuation
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.14 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,431
£15,432 to £21,387
£21,388 to £26,823
£26,824 to £49,472
£49,473 to £70,630
£70,631 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Contribution
5%
5.6%
7.1%
9.3%
12.5%
13.5%
14.5%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
General Conditions 05.08
Annual Leave
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references.
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
he successful applicant will be required to become a member of
the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not
have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ you should have current and continuing professional registration
Induction Standards &
with HCPC and hold the appropriate qualification(s).
Code of Conduct
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
General Conditions 05.08
subject line
or
to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9,
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of 4 May 2015
General Conditions 05.08