Clinical Embryologist – Assisted Conception Service

Job Description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

The Assisted Conception Service (ACS) at Glasgow Royal Infirmary is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated HCPC registered Band 7 Clinical Embryologist. This post is 20 hours per week with hours to be worked over 3 days out of 7 with weekend and on call on a rotational basis.

The service is licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and provides semen analysis, surgical sperm retrieval (SSR), sperm cryopreservation, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo cryopreservation, donor insemination, oocyte donation, oocyte cryopreservation, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). The ACS laboratory delivers approximately 1100 cycles of IVF/ICSI, 600 frozen thawed embryo transfers and 300 IUIs with both partner’s and donor sperm annually. The Unit was awarded National Service Division funding to provide a Scotland wide PGT service in April 2005 and delivers approximately 75 cycles annually.

The post holder will join a team of dedicated embryologists and will participate in all embryology and andrology procedures for the assessment and treatment of infertility. The post holder will also have responsibility for delivery of an area of the service as required.

The post holder will be expected to deliver clinical work at an exceptionally high standard, with meticulous attention to detail. The successful applicant will also assist the Lead Embryologist in the training and supervision of junior scientific staff.

A Life Sciences degree and related MSc or equivalent experience is essential. Post graduate qualification in embryology is also essential.

The post holder must be state registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Experience in ICSI is essential. Experience in embryo biopsy is desirable.

All other roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Location based in Glasgow Royal Infirmary Hospital
• Part-time position (20 hours per week)
• Permanent Contract
• Shift pattern for this post are Monday to Sunday, 3 days / 7 days

Please note the salary is Pro Rata for part time hours.

Key responsibilities:

• Analysis of semen samples and assessment of their suitability for assisted conception
• Preparation of fresh and cryopreserved semen for IVF, ICSI and IUI using discontinuous gradient or washing techniques as appropriate
• Assessment, preparation and cryopreservation of epididymal and testicular biopsied sperm
• Preparation, assessment and injection of oocytes using ICSI
• Handling and manipulation of oocytes and embryos to facilitate assessment of fertilisation, early cleavage and blastocyst development
• Assessment of fertilisation and embryo development
• Selection of embryos for embryo transfer and cryopreservation of supernumerary embryos
• Cryopreservation of oocytes
• To take part in the rota of duties, including on-call and weekend work, and to work flexibly to perform tasks as and when necessary, including ‘out of normal working hours’
• To ensure that appropriate written consent is obtained for all embryology and research procedures
• To inform patients of the progress of their treatment, including the number of eggs which have fertilised normally and the outcome of thaw procedures
• Please refer to the job description for further details.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

A Clinical Embryologist must have:

• A recognised life sciences degree 2;1 and an MSc or MSc level qualification in a related discipline is essential
• Post graduate qualification in Clinical Embryology is essential
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist is essential
• Previous clinical embryology experience is essential
• ICSI experience is essential
• Embryo biopsy experience is desirable

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

For an informal discussion, please contact: Susan Moran, Lead Clinical Embryologist, or email

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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