Job summary
The Reproductive Science Practitioner will support the Fertility Unit in the delivery of high-quality embryology and andrology services, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred care. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will undertake a range of scientific, technical, and administrative duties to maintain efficient laboratory operations and support licensed fertility treatments.
The role is integral to meeting the increasing demand for fertility services, particularly semen analysis, while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards set by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), and World Health Organisation (WHO). The post holder will contribute to quality assurance, audit, and continuous service improvement, ensuring the laboratory operates in accordance with national regulations and Trust policies.
Under the guidance of Senior Embryologists and the Fertility Laboratory Director, the post holder will take responsibility for defined areas of practice, demonstrate effective workload management, and provide limited supervision to junior or newly appointed staff where appropriate.
Main duties of the job
- Assist in the provision of diagnostic and treatment-related laboratory services.
- Perform semen analysis and support sperm preparation in line with accredited standards.
- Contribute to embryology procedures under appropriate guidance.
- Maintain laboratory readiness through equipment preparation, stock control, and environmental monitoring.
- Ensure accurate documentation, witnessing, and traceability across all laboratory activities.
- Participate in audit, quality assurance, and continuous improvement work.
- Communicate professionally with patients and colleagues, handling sensitive information appropriately.
- Support service continuity through flexible working, including weekend rotas.
About us
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.
We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.
Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.
We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.
Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.
Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s on this page.
The person specification below is not the full person specification but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s on this page.
The person specification below is not the full person specification but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- A degree in Life Science
- Completed suitable scientific training
Desirable
Skills/ Abilities
Essential
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to organise work schedule effectively according to priorities
- Good basic laboratory skills (e.g. pipetting, aseptic techniques) and technical competence
- Able to work as part of an immediate team and also wider multi-disciplinary team
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality issues
- Understanding of reproductive biology
- Knowledge of the HF&E Act and the HFEA Code of Practice
Desirable
- Knowledge of current issues in IVF and assisted conception treatment
Other Requirements
Essential
- Able to work weekends
- Contributes to the multi-disciplinary needs of the unit.
- A flexible approach to work
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- A degree in Life Science
- Completed suitable scientific training
Desirable
Skills/ Abilities
Essential
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to organise work schedule effectively according to priorities
- Good basic laboratory skills (e.g. pipetting, aseptic techniques) and technical competence
- Able to work as part of an immediate team and also wider multi-disciplinary team
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality issues
- Understanding of reproductive biology
- Knowledge of the HF&E Act and the HFEA Code of Practice
Desirable
- Knowledge of current issues in IVF and assisted conception treatment
Other Requirements
Essential
- Able to work weekends
- Contributes to the multi-disciplinary needs of the unit.
- A flexible approach to work
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
