Scientific Officer

The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe andappropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license andmonitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryoresearch.

We are looking for a full time Scientific Officer to support a widerange of our activities within the Compliance team.

Main duties of the job

A key part of this role will be to support the Compliance team in processinga variety of scientific applications such as Preimplantation genetic testingfor monogenic disorders (PGT-M), Mitochondrial donation applications & ITE importcertificates. The work will be varied, and the successful applicant will beresponsible for the processing and quality of these applications.

This is an excitingopportunity for someone who is proactive, can work effectively as part of ateam, and who has good written and verbal communication skills including anability to handle sensitive patient information. You should be able todemonstrate some experience of supporting or managing projects and of workingwith multiple pieces of work. You should also have the skills required toundertake scientific literature searches, be confident at reviewing scientific journalpapers, and can summarise and identify key points from a wide range ofevidence.

Given the variednature of this role, good time management skills and the ability to prioritisetasks effectively is key. You will be educated to degree level in one ofthe biological sciences and have goodIT skills.

Interviews are likely to take place on 23 July.

About us

The HFEA isthe UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice infertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinicscarrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.

This post isoffered as either office based (in which case you will need to attend theoffice at least one day per week)or home based (in which case office attendance will be specified byyour line manager based on business need). Our office is in Stratford, eastLondon, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongsideseveral other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybridworking we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.

The HFEA is amember of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability ConfidentCharter. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive workingenvironment that is free from any form of discrimination. We recognise thatthere are real benefits of having a diverse community of staff and aim for ourworkforce to be truly representative of all sections of society. Additionally,we adopt a culture that hopes to attract and retain talented individuals thatwant to work with us.

In November 2024, the HFEA was awarded People Insight's Outstanding Workplace Award 2024.

Job responsibilities

• To process a variety of applications from HFEA licensed clinics for approval by the relevant HFEA committee, including:
• Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) applications
• Preimplantation tissue typing (PTT) applications
• Applications from licensed clinics relevant to the import and export of gametes and embryos (Special Directions and ITE import certificate updates)
• Ensure the quality of applications submitted by HFEA licensed centres
• To promote and practice a culture of continuous improvement.
• To engage with service users, providers, and other regulatory and professional bodies.
• To contribute to the delivery of strategic organisational and directorate projects.

Key responsibilities

1. To manage the review and processing of relevant applications from clinics that impact on patients undergoing licensed fertility treatments. Promoting good practice and compliance by:

• supporting the compliance team to ensure all necessary applications are processed in accordance with approved methodologies.
• liaising with centres and stakeholders to ensure applications are processed in accordance with KPIs;
• producing high quality evidence based reports;
• responding to enquiries and correspondence from centres and stakeholders;

2. To manage own workload and produce high quality output by effective prioritisation of activities and adherence to organisational KPIs.

3. To secure and maintain an understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations, Directions, Code of Practice and HFEA policies and procedures and apply this knowledge in the regulatory process.

4. Ensure detailed and accurate written records are kept for all activities by maintaining up to date contemporaneous records using approved HFEA methodologies.

5. Contribute to the development of policies and improved practices through involvement in the delivery of organisational and directorate project programmes and cross directorate working.

Promote and maintain a positive image of the HFEA.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Education to at least degree level or equivalent in a bioscience related subject
• Specialist knowledge of genetics, particularly the genetics of human disease

Experience

• A scientific background and experience of working in a laboratory or a related discipline relevant to healthcare
• Experience of managing and prioritising a complex workload
• Experience working as part of a team with people from a wide range of disciplines
• Experience of gathering, analysing, and interpreting information and evidence
• Experience of promoting a culture of continuous improvement
• Experience gained within a similar role.

Skills

• Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce evidence-based reports
• An ability to assimilate, understand and apply complex legislation and regulatory requirements
• Resilience in handling difficult situations
• Understanding of the quality improvement/clinical governance agenda

Employer name