Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and qualified Laboratory Andrologist to join our specialist team at the Reproductive Medicine Unit Lab at UCLH for a 12-month period of Maternity Leave cover.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for diagnosing and treating male reproductive health issues, working with a significant degree of autonomy and responsibility. Your expertise in diagnostic andrology, cryopreservation of sperm samples, and processing TESE samples will be essential to providing top-notch care. Additionally, you will maintain meticulous laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety regulations, including the management of our liquid nitrogen storage facility.

As part of our team, you will also have the opportunity to mentor and supervise junior staff, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes professional growth and knowledge sharing. Your contributions will directly impact patient outcomes, helping individuals navigate their reproductive health challenges with confidence.

At the Reproductive Medicine Unit Lab at UCLH, we are dedicated to advancing reproductive health through innovative solutions and exceptional patient care. Joining us means becoming part of a leading institution committed to excellence and the well-being of our patients.

Main duties of the job
As a Laboratory Andrologist at Reproductive Medicine Unit Lab at UCLH, you will play a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating male reproductive health issues, contributing to our mission of delivering exceptional patient care. Your main duties will encompass a wide range of clinical, educational, and administrative responsibilities that are crucial for the effective operation of our andrology laboratory.

Clinical Responsibilities
You will demonstrate specialist expertise in assessing semen samples to diagnose fertility problems. This includes preparing samples for fertility treatments and long-term storage, ensuring adherence to departmental procedures at all times. Your role will involve attending sperm surgical retrieval procedures in theatres across UCLH sites where you will collect, analyse and process samples, and continue with laboratory cryopreservation processes. It is essential that you follow strict protocols for processing semen and sperm samples, thereby supporting the laboratory's comprehensive service.

Additionally, you will be responsible for the safe use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, and flow hoods.

About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• BSc in Biological Sciences
• Attainment of, or working towards attainment of ABA/BAS/ARCS certificate in semen analysis (or equivalent formal training)
• Knowledge of reproductive physiology (esp. of male), and related technologies
• Detailed understanding of andrological techniques and applications

Essential Experience

• Previous NHS experience
• Experience of working with patient group
• Experience of trouble shooting everyday issues
• Mentoring/training experience
• Evidence of time managing yourself and others to achieve given objectives
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience of theatre support for testicular sperm retrievals and laboratory processing of testicular tissue for cryopreservation

Desirable Experience

• Significant and demonstrable experience working in a fertility/IVF laboratory environment (as part of academic training or subsequent practical experience)

Essential Skills and Behaviours

• Empathetic Approach
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
• Works to prescribed procedures.
• Flexible approach
• Able to carry out administrative and clerical duties appropriate to the work area with accuracy
• Able to maintain resources efficiently and effectively
• Competent with software programmes including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• Confident user of database systems

Desirable Skills and Behaviours

• Actively caring and considerate to fellow team members

Essential Communication

• Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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. 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.

Employer details
Employer name: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contact: Fertility Lab Manager, Elizabeth Williamson, elizabeth.williamson5@nhs.net

Closing date: 02 November 2026
Reference number: 309-UCLH-8370519
Pay scheme: Agenda for change, Band 6
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time

Apply through our website.