• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $64,350-$69,000

Position Summary

Columbia University Fertility Center offers innovative and personalized fertility treatment in a supportive and state-of-the-art clinical setting.

The Laboratory Coordinator I will serve as a key team member of the Fertility Center’s Embryology Laboratory. In this role, the Laboratory Coordinator I can expect to learn about the functioning of a clinical fertility laboratory and expand their laboratory skillset through training in clinical laboratory and foundational embryology tasks. Key responsibilities will include treatment set up, media and laboratory consumables inventory management, administration of pre-implantation genetic testing, cryo-preservation support, daily quality control (QC) of the laboratory, data entry and laboratory maintenance. The Laboratory Coordinator I will collaborate closely with other clinical laboratory employees to deliver an exceptional patient care and positive patient outcomes.

To be successful in this role, the Coordinator I should have one or two years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting and be able to demonstrate a strong attention to detail, organizational skills and service orientation. A degree in biological sciences and experience in fertility or reproductive health are preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Core Duties 

• Train under direct supervision to perform various clinical embryology laboratory tasks, including but not limited to the following:
• Prepare culture dishes and materials using aseptic techniques for procedures such as egg retrievals, insemination, cryopreservation, warming, embryo culture and embryo transfer.
• Collect patient data, prepare patient charts and embryology worksheets, and enter procedure data into the electronic medical records.
• Handle specimen chain of custody, documentation and witness procedures as required.
• Utilize the electronic witnessing system to document and track procedures and specimens accurately.
• Assist in facilitating pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) by managing requisitions, preparing documentation, packing and shipping PGT kits and entering results into the electronic health records system.
• Provide support to the cryopreservation coordinator by assisting with documentation and operational tasks.
• Track and inventory culture media and consumables on a weekly or biweekly basis.
• Notify senior team of low stock levels and escalate restocking needs or any issues as appropriate.
• Contribute to the accurate documentation of laboratory results and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment through daily cleaning and adherence to regulatory and departmental guidelines.
• Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment, including incubator pH testing on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Follow safety protocols, including proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report any incidents or safety concerns to the Supervisor and Director of Embryology.
• Provide clerical and inventory management support, including delivering, unpacking, restocking, and organizing supplies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Regulatory Readiness and Continuous Improvement

• Participate in a team culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Contribute ideas for improving laboratory workflows to team members and management.
• Take the initiative to resolve patient safety and patient experience concerns within the scope of practice/training/education.
• Contribute to preparation for inspections by providing administrative and operational
• support to laboratory management and colleagues, as needed.
• Maintain a safe and secure work environment by following all OSHA, EH&S and public safety policies and guidelines.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality according to HIPAA requirements at all times.
• Keep current on all organizational, department, and patient privacy policies (e.g., infection control, HIPAA) and required training.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience.
• Strong detail-orientation and organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize, multitask, and work independently with consistent follow-through.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a service orientation. Ability to interact positively and constructively with patients, visitors, providers, and colleagues, demonstrating tact, empathy, and respect. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Team orientation, demonstrating collaboration, inclusion, reliability, punctuality, and adaptability to new and changing situations.
• Self-motivated and demonstrates initiative, patience, and resourcefulness in adapting to changes.
• Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contributions of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.
• Strong commitment to fostering diversity and equity.
• Basic proficiency in computer skills including, but not limited to, Electronic Health Systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, email systems, etc.
• Must be a motivated individual with a positive mindset and exceptional work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 year's of experience in an embryology or andrology laboratory setting.
• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences.
• Fertility experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical records a plus.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is dedicated to the goal of building a multicultural faculty and staff committed to teaching, working and serving in a diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from candidates of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

We are continuously seeking to recruit individuals who will enhance the diversity of our workplace and the effectiveness of our organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.