Job Summary
You’ll play a key role in saving lives as you manage the day-to-day activities of the laboratory section dealing with stem cell and immunotherapy service provision. It’s a unique chance to use your high specialised knowledge of transplants, transfusions, stem cells and immunotherapy. You will be responsible for performing, analysing, interpreting and documenting routine and complex investigations while managing the standard of work and quality of results produced within your section. This will include overseeing the processing of stem and other cells for transplantation. This senior role will also see you advising scientific colleagues and clinicians on the clinical significance of test results.
An enthusiastic and motivational mentor for the healthcare scientists within the team, you will bring extensive experience of working in a stem cell laboratory together with in-depth knowledge of transfusion and transplantation science. This will be evidenced by HCPC registration plus a PhD/MSc in transplantation or equivalent or significant equivalent experience together with a professional qualification. Your management skills will include target setting, performance review, staff selection and training. You’ll also have the communication skills to explain the work of the department to groups of visitors and convey complicated concepts to non-clinicians.
Our dedicated team collects, tests, stores and delivers blood, plasma and tissue to every NHS Trust in England and North Wales, as well as matching, allocating and analysing organ donations UK wide. As an essential service, we’re committed to positive transformation and are currently embarking on an ambitious programme of change.
Main duties of the job
You will be required to manage the day-to-day activities of the Stem Cell and Immunotherapy (SCI) service provision under the Head of the Department. You will be responsible for :-
1. The standard of work and the quality of results produced and deputising for the Head of Department as required
2. Managing staff within and to contribute to the work of the clinical laboratory service section; performing, analysing, interpreting documenting and reporting routine and specialist/complex investigations and as appropriate providing advice to clinicians or scientific colleagues of the clinical significance of test results
3. Overseeing and contributing to the analysis and performance of complex processing of stem and related cells for clinical transplantation and where necessary authorising the release of reports and therapeutic products for named patients.
4. Undertaking the duties of the departmental manager in his/her absence, taking responsibility for a comprehensive range of SCI services, maintaining current good practice, meeting national and international professional standards (e.g. JACIE, HTA, EU Legislations/Directives) and Health and Safety regulations consistent with NHSBT strategy
5. Training Healthcare Scientist staff and clinicians and acting as a mentor
6. Attending SCI multi-centre/national meetings and contributing to the development and implementation of new laboratory procedures and services and attending meetings on manager’s behalf.
7. Leading participants in research and development activities to take the service forward
You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice. You will also be required to provide cover in times of operational difficulty.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
8. Extensive experience in working in a stem cell laboratory providing a clinical service, including related clinical therapies
9. Experience of target setting and performance review
10. Supervisory/leadership and budget management experience
11. Knowledge and understanding of transfusion and transplantation science
12. Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), or equivalent Systems
13. Experience of participation in audits, validation and development projects
14. Understanding of relevant policies and guidelines eg Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, HTA and MHRA licencing and JACIE Accreditation and other relevant or statutory guidelines
Qualifications and Training
15. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist
16. PhD or MSc in transplantation or relevant science OR
17. Equivalent specialist knowledge gained by substantial patient service experience and examination of a relevant professional body. Having completed a formal post-graduate training programme together with significant SCI service experience
18. Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)