NHS Blood and Transplant

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 29 April 2026

Job summary

In this Biomedical Scientist role at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), youll help make sure patients receive safe, high-quality blood and tissue products when they need them most. Youll carry out and interpret a range of laboratory investigations, using automated, manual and molecular techniques, and youll record and report results with care and accuracy. Working within clear standards and procedures, youll help keep our services running smoothly by maintaining robust documentation and supporting continuous improvement. Youll also learn and develop in a specialist area, while supporting and guiding colleagues and trainees so we can deliver consistently great outcomes together.

Main duties of the job

  • Carry out automated, manual and molecular laboratory testing so we can provide safe blood and tissue products for patients.
  • Analyse, validate and interpret results, then record and share them clearly with colleagues and clinical teams.
  • Keep accurate documentation and sample storage so every result has a clear audit trail and meets quality standards.
  • Use the right controls and checks to confirm processes, reagents and results are accurate and fit for use.
  • Update donor and patient records safely, taking account of relevant clinical information.
  • Identify when follow-up testing is needed, arrange referral lab work, and escalate issues to keep work flowing.
  • Operate, maintain and validate laboratory equipment and systems, including basic calibration and user records.
  • Support training and day-to-day supervision of support staff and new starters, sharing knowledge and good practice.
  • Contribute to service improvement by reviewing procedures and helping test new reagents, processes or systems.

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.

Details

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£32,073 to £39,043 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

008582

Job locations

Colindale Centre

London

United Kingdom

NW9 5BG


Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

What we offer:

  • Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
  • Generous annual leave - 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.
  • Inclusive 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: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions‎ 
  • Supportive learning culture - 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.
  • Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process. You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website.

To learn more, please see the job description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

What we offer:

  • Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
  • Generous annual leave - 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.
  • Inclusive 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: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions‎ 
  • Supportive learning culture - 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.
  • Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process. You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website.

To learn more, please see the job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Health Professions Council registered Biomedical Scientist.
  • Evidence of completing a structured training programme in Transfusion and Transplantation Science.
  • Good understanding of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UKBTS and BCSH guidelines.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Experience

Essential

  • Work accurately and precisely, with strong attention to detail.
  • Use a range of laboratory equipment and apply manual scientific techniques confidently.
  • Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and work well with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Plan and prioritise your workload, adapting positively when work changes.
  • Solve day-to-day problems using initiative, working independently or as part of a team.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Health Professions Council registered Biomedical Scientist.
  • Evidence of completing a structured training programme in Transfusion and Transplantation Science.
  • Good understanding of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UKBTS and BCSH guidelines.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Experience

Essential

  • Work accurately and precisely, with strong attention to detail.
  • Use a range of laboratory equipment and apply manual scientific techniques confidently.
  • Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and work well with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Plan and prioritise your workload, adapting positively when work changes.
  • Solve day-to-day problems using initiative, working independently or as part of a team.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

Colindale Centre

London

United Kingdom

NW9 5BG


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

Colindale Centre

London

United Kingdom

NW9 5BG


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Biomedical Scientist

Ruwanika Kothalawala

Ruwanika.kothalawala@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£32,073 to £39,043 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

008582

Job locations

Colindale Centre

London

United Kingdom

NW9 5BG


Supporting documents

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