Cell Therapy Advanced Specialist

NHS Blood and Transplant

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The Cellular and Molecular Therapies (CMT) function of NHSBT comprises seven Stem Cells & Immunotherapies laboratories throughout the country and the Clinical Biotechnology Centre in Bristol, providing a range of life saving therapies. The Stem Cells and Immunotherapies Department at Filton also incorporates an Advanced Therapy Unit which in addition to processing & issuing peripheral stem cells, also produces cellular investigational medicinal products for use in clinical trials.

Main duties of the job

For this role we require an experienced Scientist with advanced Cellular and Molecular therapy knowledge and scope of practice to:-

  • Analyse, interpret, validate, and report the results of routine and complex investigations, working at the level of responsibility and conduct required of an experienced Senior Scientist
  • Analyse and perform complex testing and processing of cells and /or tissues for cryopreservation and therapeutic clinical use. This requires the use of complex scientific equipment such as cell processors and flow cytometers and there maintenance of these and other equipment to the required standards.
  • Receive and communicate highly complex and specialist advice to/from internal and external scientists, clinicians, nurses and other staff on for example the significance of test results
  • Ensure cells and/or tissue products meet all specifications necessary for patient safety and therapeutic use according to internal and external quality requirements and operating within the boundaries of good manufacturing and laboratory practice.
You will be required to sometimes work late and potentially at weekends (with notice).

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.

Date posted

19 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

005754

Job locations

NHSBT - Filton

500 North Bristol Park

Bristol

BS34 7QH


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be working as part of a laboratory team, including clinical and biomedical scientists together with other health care professionals. You will be involved in the production of cell therapies and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patient’s lives. 

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills particularly related to the production of new cell therapies which are being developed for testing in clinical trials.

There are many opportunities for career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care.

You will be working as part of a laboratory team, including clinical and biomedical scientists together with other health care professionals. You will be involved in the production of cell therapies and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patient’s lives. 

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills particularly related to the production of new cell therapies which are being developed for testing in clinical trials.

There are many opportunities for career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care.

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.

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be working as part of a laboratory team, including clinical and biomedical scientists together with other health care professionals. You will be involved in the production of cell therapies and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patient’s lives. 

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills particularly related to the production of new cell therapies which are being developed for testing in clinical trials.

There are many opportunities for career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care.

You will be working as part of a laboratory team, including clinical and biomedical scientists together with other health care professionals. You will be involved in the production of cell therapies and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patient’s lives. 

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills particularly related to the production of new cell therapies which are being developed for testing in clinical trials.

There are many opportunities for career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care.

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.

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • MSc or equivalent in transplantation or a relevant science OR equivalent specialist knowledge and experience gained by examination of a professional body or extensive relevant experience OR completed post-graduate training programme together with in service experience or equivalent
  • Demonstrate commitment to and evidence of own Continued Professional Development (CPD).
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development.

Experience

Essential

  • In depth knowledge of Transplantation science or a complementary science
  • High level of expertise and competency in relevant transplantation or complementary scientific area
  • High level of proficiency in relevant specialised laboratory techniques/ environment
  • Knowledge and evidence of application of the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, HTA and MHRA regulations, JACIE guidelines, and other relevant or statutory guidelines
  • Extensive experience in working in a cells/tissues processing/testing/ development laboratory
  • Evidence of involvement in research and development projects particularly related to cell therapy.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • MSc or equivalent in transplantation or a relevant science OR equivalent specialist knowledge and experience gained by examination of a professional body or extensive relevant experience OR completed post-graduate training programme together with in service experience or equivalent
  • Demonstrate commitment to and evidence of own Continued Professional Development (CPD).
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development.

Experience

Essential

  • In depth knowledge of Transplantation science or a complementary science
  • High level of expertise and competency in relevant transplantation or complementary scientific area
  • High level of proficiency in relevant specialised laboratory techniques/ environment
  • Knowledge and evidence of application of the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, HTA and MHRA regulations, JACIE guidelines, and other relevant or statutory guidelines
  • Extensive experience in working in a cells/tissues processing/testing/ development laboratory
  • Evidence of involvement in research and development projects particularly related to cell therapy.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

NHSBT - Filton

500 North Bristol Park

Bristol

BS34 7QH


Employer's website

https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

NHSBT - Filton

500 North Bristol Park

Bristol

BS34 7QH


Employer's website

https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of CMT Laboratory

Dr Allison Blair

allison.blair@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Date posted

19 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

005754

Job locations

NHSBT - Filton

500 North Bristol Park

Bristol

BS34 7QH


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