Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Lead Biomedical Scientist - Therapeutic Stem Cell Laboratory

The closing date is 01 April 2026

Job summary

MFT is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to lead the Therapeutic Stem Cell Laboratory in a Band 8b Biomedical Scientist role. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the stem cell laboratory service in one of the biggest Haematological transplant programs in the UK. The laboratory, which is HTA and JACIE accredited, provides specialist clinical and technical services to support our busy transplant programmes. The laboratory receives, processes, cryopreserves and issues haematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic use in both adult and paediatric patients. The Stem cell department is involved in ATIMPs and gene therapy treatments. This is a small team dedicated to meeting the current clinical demands on the service, developing the next generation of processing techniques for the Stem Cell Therapeutics Laboratory

Main duties of the job

Our Stem Cell Therapeutics Laboratory is based at our Oxford Road Campus and is an integral part of the Trust's Haematology/Oncology stem cell transplant programme. The laboratory, which is HTA and JACIE accredited, provides specialist clinical and technical services to support these busy transplant program. The laboratory receives, processes, cryopreserves and issues haematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic use in both adult and paediatric patients.

The successful applicant will act as the Lead higher specialist, registered Biomedical Scientist for the Stem Cell Laboratory therapeutic service and using specialist expertise and knowledge ensure the service complies with international and national accreditation standards and directives and advise service users, clients and patients on scientific and technical issues. They will also be responsible for the overall operation and development of the Stem Cell Laboratory service area, providing a quality led, efficient and safe service on the supply and processing of therapeutic components, products and transplant material suitable for purpose.

Acting as the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) Designated Individual (DI) for Human Application the successful applicant will hold the primary (legal) responsibility for supervising that the licensed activity of the service is authorised and carried out to the requirements of Section 18 of the Human Tissue Act.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Details

Date posted

03 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per Annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-CSS-7843965C-RL4

Job locations

Oxford Road campus

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application. Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application. Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

  • HCPC registration
  • Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences / MSc or equivalent in Transfusion Science
  • Evidence of participation in CPD
  • Recognised management qualification or attendance at appropriate management training courses or equivalent

Desirable

  • Member of recognised CPD Scheme

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Considerable experience within Stem Cell specialty with substantial experience in a supervisory capacity
  • Awareness of laboratory and management issues within specialist area
  • Experience of managing and sustaining laboratory accreditation with MHRA, HTA, JACIE

Desirable

  • Experience of liasing with multidisciplinary teams
  • Evidence of service development

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Good communication skills both written and verbal
  • Ability to liaise with and manage staff of varying grades
  • Evidence of working with and leading a team
  • Keyboard skills and computer literacy
Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

  • HCPC registration
  • Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences / MSc or equivalent in Transfusion Science
  • Evidence of participation in CPD
  • Recognised management qualification or attendance at appropriate management training courses or equivalent

Desirable

  • Member of recognised CPD Scheme

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Considerable experience within Stem Cell specialty with substantial experience in a supervisory capacity
  • Awareness of laboratory and management issues within specialist area
  • Experience of managing and sustaining laboratory accreditation with MHRA, HTA, JACIE

Desirable

  • Experience of liasing with multidisciplinary teams
  • Evidence of service development

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Good communication skills both written and verbal
  • Ability to liaise with and manage staff of varying grades
  • Evidence of working with and leading a team
  • Keyboard skills and computer literacy

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Oxford Road campus

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Oxford Road campus

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Laboratory Haematology Directorate Manager

Sylvia Blake

sylvia.blake@mft.nhs.uk

01612764087

Details

Date posted

03 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year Per Annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-CSS-7843965C-RL4

Job locations

Oxford Road campus

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)