NHS Blood and Transplant

Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist

The closing date is 26 January 2026

Job summary

Innovative cellular and molecular therapies are starting the transform the way we treat cancer and other life-threatening conditions. Through our network of state-of-the-art facilities, we are at the forefront of developing and manufacturing these new therapies for early phase clinical trials. The delivery of these new therapies into the NHS builds on our extensive expertise supporting more established stem cell transplantation therapies for malignant and inherited haematological disorders.

Working with scientific and medical professionals, you will develop and manufacture life-saving cell and gene therapies. To start with, we will provide you with an extensive induction and training programme. This will provide you with the skills and knowledge you will need to develop and produce cell therapies for established applications as well as first in man studies. The scale of our operations means that we will offer outstanding scientists with true leadership potential the opportunity for on-going career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care.

Main duties of the job

Working with senior scientific and medical professionals, you will develop and manufacture life-saving innovative and established cell and gene therapies. Following a period of training to equip you with specialist skills and knowledge, you will:

  • Support the development and manufacture of innovative and established cell and gene therapies.
  • Perform, analyse, record and interpret a wide range of laboratory tests and procedures relating to the release of cell therapy products for clinical application.
  • Operate in a highly regulated environment of specialist laboratories, clean rooms and cryogenic facilities.
  • Support and train less experienced staff.
  • Occasionally work late and 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.

Details

Date posted

19 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

008148

Job locations

NHSBT

Vincent Drive

Birmingham

B15 2SG


Job description

Job responsibilities

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

Weve 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. Its open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking Apply if you are viewing this advert on another site.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

Weve 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. Its open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking Apply if you are viewing this advert on another site.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Science graduate with relevant post graduate training e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent
  • Evidence of continuous learning and professional development
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development

Experience

Essential

  • Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion / transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a laboratory 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
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Science graduate with relevant post graduate training e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent
  • Evidence of continuous learning and professional development
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development

Experience

Essential

  • Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion / transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a laboratory 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

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

Vincent Drive

Birmingham

B15 2SG


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

NHSBT

Vincent Drive

Birmingham

B15 2SG


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Translational Therapy Scientist

Tina McLeod

tina.mcleod@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

19 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

008148

Job locations

NHSBT

Vincent Drive

Birmingham

B15 2SG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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