Biomedical Scientist/Biomedical Scientist Specialist

NHS Blood and Transplant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

The work performed by the Cellular & Molecular Therapy (CMT) Laboratories in NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is central to the provision and improvement of life-saving stem cell transplants. Our laboratories support over half of all haemopoietic stem cell transplants performed in England each year through a network of GMP grade laboratories in 5 specialist facilities across the country.

The department provides specialist services to hospitals covering a large geographical area. We work with peripheral blood-derived stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and bone marrow cells, collected for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. We have close partnerships with various transplant programmes and other groups undertaking clinical trials, groundbreaking research, and service development. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, ‘team focussed’ and possess good time management skills. The work will involve routine service provision, specialist cell processing, and other development activities. We expect the successful candidate to be flexible and willing to adapt to change. Experience of working in a cell therapy laboratory, and familiarity with stem cell processing and/or flow cytometry techniques would be an advantage.

Initially, working hours while undergoing training will be 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week). The working hours will change once trained to shift working (7.30 am to 3.30 pm, or 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, or 11.30 am to 7.30 pm). The successful candidate may also be required to cover the late shift on a permanent basis (to be discussed at interview). You will also be required to participate in the department's on-call rota, following appropriate training.

You should be a HCPC registered Biomedical or Clinical Scientist with relevant post-registration experience and ideally a specialist qualification in the field of transplantation science. Biomedical Scientists wishing to develop specialist skills in Cellular and Molecular Therapies will be considered for the posts, paid as a BMS on an NHS Band 5 scale whilst achieving the necessary experience and qualifications.

Main duties of the job

Band 5 –

1. You will be required to perform, analyse, record, and interpret a wide range of laboratory investigations and technical procedures relating to patient test results and the processing and issue of stem cell and immunotherapy products, with the support of the team.
2. You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff.
3. You will be required to handle blood and tissue samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment.
4. The role may require you to work variable hours and days, weekends, and bank holidays as per the roster within the department (unless otherwise rostered within the shift agreement) with appropriate notice, depending on specialty.

Band 6 –

1. You will be required to perform, analyse, record, and interpret a wide range of laboratory investigations and technical procedures relating to the issue of patient test results for organ transplant and blood transfusion and the issue of blood and tissue products, with the support of the team.
2. You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff.
3. You will be required to handle blood and tissue samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment.
4. The role may require you to undertake urgent on-call work providing 24/7 testing and advice, depending on specialty.
5. The role may require you to work variable hours and days, weekends, and bank holidays as per the roster within the department (unless otherwise rostered within the shift agreement) with appropriate notice, depending on specialty.

About You

Band 5 – Qualifications

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Evidence of continuous learning and professional development.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development.
• Evidence of completing a structured training programme in Transfusion and/or Transplantation Science would be an advantage.

Band 5 – Experience

• Experience of the use of a range of laboratory analysers and equipment.
• Experience in a range of scientific techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of transfusion and transplantation science would be an advantage but not essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Biomedical Scientist role within NHSBT would be an advantage but not essential.
• Experience of working with Information Technology.

Band 6 – Qualifications

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Science graduate with relevant postgraduate training e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuous learning and professional development.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development.
• Evidence of completing a structured training programme in Transfusion and/or Transplantation Science would be an advantage.

Band 6 – Experience

• Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion/transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Experience in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment.
• Experience in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met.
• Understanding of UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UK Blood Transfusion Service (UKBTS), and British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines.
• Experience of working with Information Technology.
• Experience of writing reports, preparing and delivering presentations, and training and mentoring staff.

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives, and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work – and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What We Offer

• NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
• 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions.
• We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 16th April 2025.

Interview date TBC.

For informal enquiries please contact – Dr Mbithe Mutunga; Job Title: Head Of BMT Clinical Services, Barnsley: Contact Details: [e-mail]