Biomedical Scientist/Biomedical Scientist Specialist
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Job Summary
Our laboratories support over half of all haemopoietic stem cell transplants performed in England each year through a network of GMP grade laboratories in 7 specialist facilities across the country. Working with academic partners in Centres of Excellence, we aim to be at the forefront of clinical improvements related to these transplants and to use our expertise in GMP, quality and regulatory matters to promote other areas of research. NHS Blood and Transplant also supplies blood and blood components and manages 5,500 organ and corneal transplants every year.
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, ground-breaking research and service development. You will be highly motivated, ‘team focussed’ and have good time management skills.
The work will involve routine service provision, specialist cell processing, and other development activities. We would 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.
Main duties of the job
- 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
- You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff
- You will be required to handle blood and tissue samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment
- The role may require you to undertake urgent on-call work providing 24/7 testing and advice, depending on speciality (N/A for band 5 – see Profile document for more info)
- 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 speciality
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.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
- 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 (N/A for band 5 – see Profile document for more info)
Qualifications and Training
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist
- Science graduate with relevant postgraduate training, eg British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent experience (N/A for band 5 – see Profile document for more info)
- Evidence of continuous learning and professional development
- Willingness to undertake further training and development
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.
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 allows.
- 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 an 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.
The working pattern is 22.5 hours/week - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with 1 x on-call every 2 weeks on a Wednesday night.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on Tuesday, 6th May 2025 – subject to confirmation
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Graham Caine, Head of Cell Therapies – Birmingham, via email at graham.caine@nhsbt.nhs.uk. From 18th April 2025 onwards, please contact Nazia Malik, Advanced Specialist Biomedical Scientist, via email at nazia.malik@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Supporting Documents
