Laboratory Services Technician 2

CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life. CooperSurgical is at the forefront of delivering innovative assisted reproductive technology and genomic solutions that enhance the work of ART professionals to the benefit of families. We currently offer over 600 clinically relevant medical devices to women's healthcare providers, including testing and treatment options.

CooperSurgical is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO). CooperSurgical, headquartered in Trumbull, CT, produces and markets a wide array of products and services for use by women's health care clinicians. More information can be found at www.coopersurgical.com.

Laboratory Services Technician 2 will oversee the production and monitoring of murine embryos through either natural mating or IVF technology ensuring their survivability for approved bioassays. They will be accountable for designing, planning and executing bioassays using mouse embryos, human spermatozoa or other specified materials, in accordance with established protocols and project requirements. 

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Conduct a variety of cell-based bioassays (MEA, HSSA and BET) for routine testing and lot release for products utilized in human assisted reproductive laboratories
• Preparation of medical device extraction methods following ISO 10933 methods
• Preparation of media and solutions for routine testing and lot release of products
• Endotoxin bioassays using quantitative (Kinetic Turbidimetric) and qualitative (Gel-Clots) systems
• Daily operations, preventative maintenance and calibration of routine laboratory equipment. 
• Collect and interpret laboratory data and construct Certificate of Analysis 
• Osmolarity and pH testing
• Work closely with Laboratory Management and Quality Management to optimize resources and drive continuous improvement
• Investigate root cause analysis, determine corrective action of deviations and non-conformities, and perform verifications.
• Collection of embryos from oviduct and uterine tissue from naturally mated rodents
• Conduct both Mouse Embryo Assay and Sperm Motility Assay
• Quality and development grading of embryos through morphologic evaluation and cell staining
• Collection of spermatozoa from rodents and human semen samples 
• Collection of embryos from IVF and natural mating for routine embryo cryopreservation
• Conducting quality control procedure for cryopreserved material
• Maintain cryo-inventory and ensure maintenance of cryo storage units
• Understand and comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
• Perform general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases and other applications. 
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.
• As business needs dictate, work extended hours to complete daily department goals or tasks to include mandatory overtime.

The Laboratory Supervisor may designate certain selected duties and responsibilities to staff with appropriate competence.  This may include delegation to qualified staff, activities involving the daily operations of the laboratory, staffing, ongoing workflow, quality and data management

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent organization skill and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and computer literacy.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. 
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and observations.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment. 
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.

Work Environment:

• Weekends and holidays may be required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and occasionally ascend/descend a ladder to perform husbandry tasks.
• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer task, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours. 
• Ability to work in dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Position may require repetitive motion.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to animal allergens, anesthetic gases, biohazards, radiation, sharps.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required (scrubs, disposable gown, exam gloves, head/beard cover, surgical mask.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research business needs.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Experience:

• Min 2 years related experience and/or training. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Sufficient computer knowledge of databases.
• Must possess a high level of initiative and ability to work with little supervision.
• Broad knowledge of biology laboratory practices.
• In-depth technical and scientific knowledge of embryology is desired.
• Previous experience in laboratory setting is highly desired.

Education:

• May require Technical Education and/or certification in addition to prior work experience.