Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Senior Biomedical Scientist/Quality Lead - Blood Transfusion

The closing date is 05 January 2026

Job summary

The postholder is responsible to the Head of Haematology and Blood Transfusion for the maintenance of departmental quality management within Blood Transfusion including management of assets, audits and non-conformances.Provides operational leadership for laboratory staff on a daily basis.

The postholder will have managerial responsibility for Biomedical Scientists, as well as managing the routine work and staff rota's in conjunction with the other seniors biomedical scientists.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Main duties of the job

Performs a range of advanced healthcare science clinical activities and provides highly specialised advice within own Department. Leads a team of Healthcare Scientists and Healthcare Science Support Workers for own work area and provide training. Holds additional responsibility as a Quality Officer or Operational Lead for Department. Travel between either sites as required with a primary base of Darent Valley Hospital.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Date posted

22 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7683258

Job locations

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill Raod

Gillingham

ME7 5NY

Job description

Job responsibilities

Technical responsibilities:

To have extensive knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Prioritising samples for processing and results for issuing.

Providing advice about the appropriate use of laboratory tests to users.

Performing tests and assays on all samples as necessary, according to established protocols and required standards.

Have extensive technical knowledge of the running of a Blood Transfusion department.

Entering test results onto the laboratory computer system.

Delivering accurate results of samples within agreed turnaround times.

Checking the validity of samples and the need for repeat or further testing.

Authorising the release of results as required.

Authorising results that the Consultant Haematologist deems do not require clinical authorisation.

Discussing significantly abnormal results with the Consultant Haematologist and other clinicians.

Maintaining good housekeeping and analyser trouble shooting.

Adhering to Trust and departmental policies, guidelines and quality standards.

Working at all times according to departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

To maintain an efficient blood component & blood product stock system to facilitate maximum efficiency and minimum wastage.

Have extensive knowledge of SHOT and SABRE and be able to report incidents.

To be responsible for weekly blood stock management returns.

To advise all staff grades on issues relating to complex transfusion issues in conjunction with the Clinical Blood Transfusion Team.

Has extensive IT knowledge of the LIMS and analytical middleware used in the department.

Please see attached job description for more information.