Cryo Storage Supervisor

Columbia University • Full-time • Other NYC Locations, New York, US • 1w ago

Job Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Standard Work Schedule:
Building:
Salary Range: $92,900 - $106,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Columbia University Fertility Center seeks a Cryo-Storage Supervisor to join the growing team in our Columbus Circle office in Midtown Manhattan. At Columbia University Fertility, we are driven by a mission to deliver beyond amazing care and foster a culture where kindness, empathy, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. This is your opportunity to work in an innovative, professional environment where your talent will contribute to improving patients’ lives and having the chance to work with highly skilled Reproductive Endocrinology physicians, laboratory, and clinical staff. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact while supporting a dynamic and fast-paced executive team, we want you on our team!

The Cryo-Storage Supervisor is a key leadership role within the Embryology Laboratory, responsible for the oversight, integrity, and regulatory compliance of all cryopreserved reproductive specimens, including sperm, oocytes, and embryos. This individual will lead cryogenic storage operations, ensure strict chain-of-custody and traceability, oversee domestic and international specimen logistics, and maintain full compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation standards (FDA, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, and ASRM).

The Cryo-Storage Supervisor will lead and develop the cryo team, drive quality and safety initiatives, conduct audits, and ensure operational excellence in all aspects of cryogenic storage and specimen management.

Responsibilities

Cryogenic Storage Management

Oversee daily operations of cryogenic storage systems, including liquid nitrogen (LN2) tanks, vapor-phase storage units, and monitoring/alarm systems.

Ensure proper storage, labeling, and traceability of all cryopreserved specimens.

Maintain optimal LN2 levels, refill schedules, and tank performance.

Monitor, investigate, and document all alarms, temperature deviations, and equipment issues, escalating as appropriate.

Coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and validation of cryogenic equipment.

Inventory Management & Chain-of-Custody

Oversee specimen inventory using laboratory information systems (LIS) and cryo-inventory platforms.

Ensure accurate labeling, documentation, and location tracking of all specimens.

Maintain and enforce strict chain-of-custody procedures for all specimen handling, transfers, thawing, and disposition.

Perform and lead routine inventory audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy investigations.

Ensure zero-tolerance standards for specimen misidentification or loss.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure full compliance with FDA tissue regulations, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, Quad A (if applicable), and ASRM/SART guidelines.

Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs related to cryo-storage, transport, and inventory management.

Lead and support internal and external inspections and audits.

Conduct routine internal audits of cryo systems, documentation, and processes.

Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for any deviations or incidents.

Maintain audit-ready documentation at all times.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, supervise, and develop the cryo-storage team, ensuring clear accountability and high performance.

Establish training programs and competency assessments for all staff involved in cryogenic specimen handling.

Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance oversight.

Ensure adherence to SOPs, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Risk Management

Develop and enforce safety protocols related to LN2 handling and cryogenic storage.

Maintain emergency response procedures for equipment failure, LN2 supply disruption, or storage risk events.

Conduct risk assessments and contingen.cy planning for all cryo systems Participate in and lead emergency preparedness activities (e.g., mock drills, failure scenarios)

Patient & Administrative Coordination

Collaborate with clinical, embryology, andrology and administrative teams regarding specimen status, storage, and disposition.

Oversee documentation related to patient storage agreements, renewals, billing coordination, and disposition directives.

Support patient inquiries related to storage, transfer, and disposition as needed.

Work Schedule & On-Call Responsibilities

Participation in on-call coverage for cryogenic storage systems, including response to alarms and emergency situations.

Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as required to support continuous specimen safety.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Ability to lift and transport materials (e.g., dewars, tanks) up to 20 lbs.

Frequent standing, bending, and handling of cryogenic equipment.

Exposure to cryogenic substances (liquid nitrogen) with appropriate PPE.

Work in environments with temperature variation and safety controls.

Automate workflows, streamline communication, and improve operational efficiency.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field (or equivalent experience).

Minimum 3 years of experience in an IVF laboratory, andrology laboratory, or cryogenic storage environment.

Demonstrated expertise in cryogenic storage systems and LN2 safety.

Strong organizational, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a patient-centered approach.

Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage competing demands.

Proficiency in laboratory systems, electronic medical records, and standard software (e.g., Excel, Word).

Commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supervising or leading a team.

Experience with cryo-inventory management systems (e.g., IDEAS or similar platforms).

Experience with regulatory inspections (CAP, FDA, NYSDOH).

Certification or formal training in laboratory quality systems or safety.

Other Requirements

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Ability to lift and transport materials (e.g., tanks, dewars) up to 20 lbs.

Frequent standing, bending, and manual handling of cryogenic storage equipment.

Exposure to cryogenic substances (e.g., liquid nitrogen).

Work in environments with cold exposure and appropriate PPE requirements.

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.