NHS Blood and Transplant

Senior Healthcare Technical Officer (SHTO)

The closing date is 21 May 2025

Job summary

The NHS Blood & Transplant Components Development Laboratory is an internationally recognised laboratory performing a wide range of research and development projects to improve the quality and safety of blood components for transfusion. From June 2014, the laboratory will be based at NHSBT-Cambridge, alongside Addenbrookes Hospital on the world-renowned Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The post holder, reporting to a senior laboratory scientist, will be required to perform a range of technical and scientific activities within the laboratory. These include; preparing reagents and controls according to standard protocols; performing machine calibrations and operations as authorised; performing routine monitoring and reporting aberrant results; routine stock control and reconciliation of clinical waste. Good communication skills are essential, as the post holder would be required to support and train less experienced staff in certain procedures, and to actively contribute to laboratory meetings.

Main duties of the job

You will be required to perform a range of scientific and technical activities related to the blood (and where appropriate tissue) donations from our donors, with the support of the team

You will be required to contribute to the Testing Development Laboratory by performing evaluation & validation wet work, creation of panels from plasma packs, troubleshooting, equipment management, stock control and laboratory housekeeping.

You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff

You will be required to undertake precise repetitive manipulation of equipment and blood samples/donations and carry out routine tasks on a regular basis

You will be required to handle blood bags and a range of equipment

The role will 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

You will be required to manually handle equipment on a daily basis weighing up to 13 kgs, with or without mechanical aids, with appropriate training

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.

Details

Date posted

07 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

23 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

006393

Job locations

NHSBT

Long Road

Cambridge

CB2 0PT


Job description

Job responsibilities

Your essential role in the processing, testing, storing and distribution of blood and blood products will directly contribute to the saving and improving of patients’ lives. 

We will provide you with an extensive induction and training programme and ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.

As part of the selection process you will be invited to attend our Blood Centre, so that you can gain an understanding of the requirements of this essential 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

Your essential role in the processing, testing, storing and distribution of blood and blood products will directly contribute to the saving and improving of patients’ lives. 

We will provide you with an extensive induction and training programme and ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.

As part of the selection process you will be invited to attend our Blood Centre, so that you can gain an understanding of the requirements of this essential 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

  • Level 4 qualification e.g. BTEC or HNC in a relevant science subject, NHSBT Foundation Degree OR equivalent knowledge and experience of working in a manufacturing, logistics or supply chain environment requiring intermediate level theoretical knowledge acquired through formal training
  • Evidence of furthering personal development
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of supervising others
  • Experience of working with Information Technology such as Microsoft Office
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Level 4 qualification e.g. BTEC or HNC in a relevant science subject, NHSBT Foundation Degree OR equivalent knowledge and experience of working in a manufacturing, logistics or supply chain environment requiring intermediate level theoretical knowledge acquired through formal training
  • Evidence of furthering personal development
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of supervising others
  • Experience of working with Information Technology such as Microsoft Office

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).

Additional information

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).

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

NHSBT

Long Road

Cambridge

CB2 0PT


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

NHSBT

Long Road

Cambridge

CB2 0PT


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Assistant Manager - Component Development Lab

Athinoula Meli

Athinoula.Meli@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

07 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

23 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

006393

Job locations

NHSBT

Long Road

Cambridge

CB2 0PT


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

NHS Blood and Transplant's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)