Biomedical Scientist Advanced Specialist

Job summary

The work performed by the Cellular & Molecular Therapy (CMT) Laboratories in NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), is central to the provision and improvement of life saving stem cell transplants. Our laboratories support over half of all haemopoietic stem cell transplants performed in England each year through a network of GMP grade laboratories in 5 specialist facilities across the country.

The department provides specialist services to hospitals covering a large geographical area. We work with peripheral blood derived stem cells, umbilical cord blood and bone marrow cells, collected for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. We have close partnerships with various transplant programmes and other groups undertaking transplantation using commissioned cell therapy products such as CAR-Ts, clinical trials, groundbreaking research and service development. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, team focussed and with good time management skills. The work will involve routine service provision, specialist cell processing, and other development activities. We would expect the successful candidate to be flexible and willing to adapt to change. Experience of working in a cell therapy laboratory, and familiarity with stem cell processing and/or flow cytometry techniques would be an advantage.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will lead in the development and maintenance of scientific and technical expertise within a modern well equipped cell therapy laboratory. You will also be involved in providing training and guidance to healthcare scientists in your area of expertise. Your responsibilities will include:

• Analysing, interpreting, validating and reporting the results of routine and complex / specialist investigations, working at the level of responsibility and conduct required of a registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Analysing and performing complex / specialist testing and processing of cells and/or tissues for cryopreservation and therapeutic clinical use using complex / specialist scientific equipment such as flow cytometers and cell selection / depletion protocols and maintain equipment to the required standards.
• Receiving and communicating highly complex and specialist advice to/from internal and external clinicians, nurses and scientific staff on for example test results.
• Ensuring 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.
• Supervising and coordinating other staff to support development.

You will be required to participate in the on-call rota including weekday evenings and weekends and provide cover during operational emergencies.

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

What we offer:

• NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities.
• 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. Its open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist/Clinical Scientist.
• MSc or equivalent in transfusion / transplantation or relevant science. OR Equivalent specialist knowledge gained by examination of a professional body e.g. FIBMS or Diploma from BBTS or BSHI.
• To have completed a formal post-graduate training programme together with in service experience. OR Alternative training and in-service experience.
• Member of a professional body e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS)/ British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI).
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

Experience

Essential

• In depth knowledge and evidence of application of the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Clinical Pathology Accreditation UKBTS and BCSH and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
• In depth knowledge of Transfusion/ Transplantation science and high level of expertise ideally demonstrated by publications.
• High level of proficiency in relevant specialised laboratory techniques/ environments.
• In depth understanding of NHSBT and wider healthcare community.
• Extensive experience in working in a diagnostic/testing laboratory.
• Evidence of involvement in research and development projects.
• In depth knowledge of Transfusion/ Transplantation science.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

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).