Chief of Lab Operations

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical & Technical Oversight

- Direct and supervise all IVF lab functions including gamete handling, fertilization, embryo culture, cryopreservation, and thawing.
- Ensure accurate execution of advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as ICSI, IMSI, embryo biopsy, time-lapse imaging, etc.
- Monitor lab performance and take corrective action when needed to maintain high fertilization and pregnancy rates.

2. Quality Management & Compliance

- Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and accreditation standards (e.g., ISO, CAP, ICMR guidelines in India).
- Lead internal audits, proficiency testing, and documentation reviews.

3. Policy & Procedure Development

- Create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all lab activities.
- Standardize processes to ensure consistency, safety, and best practices.

4. Team Leadership

- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate embryologists, andrology technologists, and lab staff.
- Provide ongoing education and performance feedback.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, safety, and continuous learning.

5. Equipment & Resource Management

- Oversee maintenance, calibration, and validation of laboratory equipment (microscopes, incubators, cryo-units, etc.).
- Manage inventory of media, reagents, disposables, and critical supplies.

6. Safety & Risk Management

- Enforce laboratory safety standards and biohazard protocols.
- Ensure proper handling and disposal of biological materials.
- Investigate any deviations, incidents, or quality lapses.

7. Data, Reporting & Documentation

- Maintain accurate records of procedures, outcomes, patient data (confidential), and lab performance metrics.
- Prepare reports for clinic leadership, regulatory bodies, and accreditation agencies.

8. Research & Innovation (if applicable)

- Support clinical studies, new technology evaluation, and process improvements.
- Collaborate with physicians, geneticists, and researchers on protocol updates.

Experience

- Minimum 5–7 years of IVF lab experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory/leadership role.
- Demonstrated success in managing lab quality and team performance.

Skills

- Expertise in ART procedures and lab management systems.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- In-depth understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Fertilization, cleavage, blastocyst formation, and pregnancy rates.
- Lab accreditation status and audit outcomes.
- Compliance with QA/QC standards and documentation accuracy.
- Staff competency and retention.

Work Environment

- IVF laboratory with specialized ART equipment.
- High focus on precision, sterility, and patient-centric care.