Apprentice Ivf Lab Embryologist Jobs in Illinois

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system at UChicago Medicine as an IVF Lab Supervisor at our South Loop location. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

The IVF Lab Supervisor is responsible for the daily technical, operational, and quality oversight of the embryology and andrology laboratory. This position ensures safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory operations while supporting excellent patient care and optimal clinical outcomes.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform and oversee oocyte assessment, denudation, semen analysis and processing (including surgically retrieved sperm), conventional insemination, ICSI, fertilization assessment, embryo grading/selection, embryo biopsy, cell tubing, embryo transfer, cryopreservation/thawing of sperm, oocytes, and embryos.
• Maintain knowledge of genetic testing methodologies and communicate with staff and patients.
• Troubleshoot equipment, culture, and contamination issues and implement corrective actions.
• Trial new culture media and laboratory methods with lab director oversight.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations and provide technical direction to staff, ensure accurate timing and sequencing of all procedures, verify all required consents are complete and signed before procedures, establish and maintain QC/QA data collection systems, analyze QC/QA data and report program performance and recommendations to Medical and Laboratory Directors, conduct self-inspections and prepare laboratory for CAP inspections, maintain quality control policies and documentation, assist with development and implementation of laboratory policies and protocols, ensure preventive maintenance and service follow-up for all laboratory equipment.
• Train staff at all competency levels, establish structured onboarding and technical training programs with director oversight, perform competency assessments for staff prior to director review, compile performance statistics for key procedures (KPIs), participate in annual staff evaluations with Laboratory Director, promote continuing education for laboratory staff.
• Coordinate with nursing staff regarding embryology questions, cycle plans, and patient outcomes; communicate with patients regarding embryo development, genetic testing processes/results, and transport of frozen genetic kits from UCM laboratory; follow FDA guidelines for frozen reproductive tissue (HCT/P) storage and tracking; instruct on movement of frozen reproductive tissue samples in and out of UCM laboratory.
• Coordinate staff coverage for all procedures on all days, including alarm response during downtime; report on staff PTO and coverage needs to practice administrator/lab director/medical director; order supplies and manage vendor relationships for continuity and pricing; maintain safety training: blood-borne pathogens, chemical safety, electrical safety, fire safety, evacuation procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Technology, or related field required; Master's degree or higher in related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years experience in ASRM/CAP accredited ART laboratory; minimum 2 years in a supervisory, senior technical, or lead embryology role.
• Competent in all core embryology and andrology procedures.
• Strong knowledge of CAP, CLIA, FDA and HCT/P regulatory requirements.
• Solid understanding of laboratory quality systems, including quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) programs.
• Certification as a Technical Supervisor in Embryology and Andrology through the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) or equivalent is preferred.
• 12-24 hours accredited CE annually in ART or related fields.
• Clinical laboratory with possible exposure biological specimens, chemicals, and cryogenic materials; must adhere to safety protocols.
• Work environment includes controlled temperature rooms, incubators, and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work early mornings, late afternoons, weekends, and holidays to accommodate patient treatment cycles and availability to respond to alarms / emergencies during off-hours as required.
• Occasional travel to other clinic sites or conferences for training and continuing education may be required.

Position Details:

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
• Shift: Days
• Work Location: Onsite - South Loop
• Unit/Department: OBGYN Offsite Clinic
• CBA Code: Non-Union