GarbhaGudi – Certified Healthy Workplace

Purpose of the Role

The Embryologist is responsible for performing complex laboratory procedures involved in
human reproduction. This includes working with oocytes, sperm, and embryos to facilitate
fertilization and implantation. Embryologists must ensure adherence to strict laboratory
protocols and regulatory standards to maintain the integrity, safety, and quality of
reproductive materials.

Key Responsibilities

 Gamete Handling and Fertilization:
Receive, identify, and evaluate oocytes and sperm samples.
Conduct sperm washing and density gradient preparation.
Perform IVF (conventional insemination) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
procedures.

 Embryo Culture and Assessment:
Monitor fertilized oocytes for development into embryos and blastocysts.
Grade embryos based on morphological and developmental criteria.
Document embryo progression and determine optimal timing for transfer or freezing.

 Cryopreservation Procedures:
Perform vitrification of oocytes, embryos, and sperm.
Manage cryostorage systems and maintain accurate cryobank logs.
Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines for gamete and embryo storage.

 Embryo Transfer Support:
Collaborate with clinicians during embryo transfer procedures.
Ensure accurate communication regarding embryo quality and number available for
transfer.
Provide embryo transfer documentation and post-transfer support as needed.

 Laboratory Maintenance and Quality Assurance:
Maintain laboratory cleanliness, aseptic techniques, and proper environmental conditions
(temperature, pH, gas).
Calibrate and monitor laboratory equipment regularly.
Participate in internal and external quality control audits and continuous improvement
initiatives.

 Regulatory and Ethical Compliance:
Follow all SOPs, ICMR guidelines, and ART Act regulations.
Maintain patient confidentiality and ethical standards in all procedures and documentation.
Contribute to documentation for NABH, ISO, or ICMR audits.

 Coordination and Communication:
Liaise with clinicians, counselors, and support staff for synchronized patient care.
Educate patients (if required) on lab processes, success rates, and options.
Report critical findings or unusual lab observations to the lab director.

 Training and Research (Optional):
Train junior staff, interns, and fellows in embryology techniques.
Contribute to research papers, clinical audits, and departmental presentations.

Qualifications and Requirements

Academic Qualifications:
- Postgraduate degree in Clinical Embryology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Reproductive
Biology, or related life sciences.

Experience:
- Minimum of 2–5 years of hands-on embryology experience in an ART clinic.
- Expertise in ICSI, embryo grading, vitrification, and ideally embryo biopsy for PGT.

Skills and Competencies:
- Meticulous attention to detail and high manual dexterity.
- Excellent documentation, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain composure and accuracy in high-pressure environments.
- Strong ethical grounding and a patient-centric approach.

Working Conditions:
- Must be willing to work on weekends, public holidays, and during non-standard hours as
per clinical need.
- On-call responsibilities during urgent procedures such as egg retrieval or thawing cycles.

Reporting Structure
Reports to: Chief Embryologist / Lab Director
Coordinates with: Clinicians, Andrologists, IVF Coordinators and Administrative Staff