Trainee Clinical Scientist (Band 6) or Clinical Scientist (Band 7)
Job Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Clinical Scientist/Clinical Scientist to join our Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) Laboratory. As a trainee, you would be expected to develop in role to fulfil the responsibilities of an HCPC registered Clinical Scientist.
The H&I laboratory at Colindale supports stem cell transplantation for NHS teaching Hospitals, platelet refractoriness and immunogenetic testing for susceptibility genes to aid disease diagnosis and drug hypersensitivity. We also provide national testing support for HLA selected transfusion and British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR) testing. You’ll join our friendly team and play an important role performing, analysing and interpreting a wide range of specialist scientific and technical procedures and investigations relating to the issue of results for patients and donors impacting directly on patient care. In addition, you will be involved with the supply of HLA selected platelet units, providing advice to clinicians, contributing to the coordination and supervision of the work, training and conduct of scientific and support staff. We will provide you with extensive induction and training and ongoing development to support you in this role and achieve your career ambitions.
Working within a laboratory that promotes the highest standards, you will also participate in the out of hours on-call rota in support of the issue of HLA selected products.
As a Trainee Clinical Scientist, the ideal candidate will have experience in the field of H&I. This position is particularly suited to someone who has completed the BSHI Diploma and is preparing for HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in H&I. You will have the ability to work to a high degree of accuracy and precision and be able to work independently and with a team. In return you’ll benefit from an excellent pension, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, using modern equipment and practices where you can develop your specialist skills and scientific education.
As a Clinical Scientist, HCPC registered, in H&I you will have a specialist qualification such as the BSHI Diploma, MSc, or equivalent relevant experience. You will have the ability to work to a high degree of accuracy and precision and be able to work independently and with a team. In return you’ll benefit from an excellent pension, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, using modern equipment and practices where you can develop your specialist skills and scientific education.
Main duties of the job -
Trainee Clinical Scientist -
* Undertaking/completing a formal training programme to achieve registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist in a specialised field relevant to Transplantation/Transfusion.
* Working under the guidance of a Consultant Clinical Scientist and/or other HCPC registered scientific staff.
* Performing a wide range of increasingly advanced healthcare science clinical, technical, and scientific activities as training progresses.
* Participating in the interpretation and validation of test results of the department to achieve independent practitioner status.
* Assisting with quality management duties within the laboratory, under the direction of the Clinical Scientist Section Heads and Laboratory Operations Manager.
* Participating in the provision of services to support matching patients and donors for transplantation and specialised transfusions.
* You will be required to train and work on a rotational basis in all areas of the department.
With appropriate training and experience you will be required to participate in a 24/7 on-call rota and exceptionally to provide cover in times of operational difficulty for which notice will be given.
Clinical Scientist
In this role as a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist within H&I, you will be required to analyse, interpret, validate and report the results of specialist Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics investigations. Your duties will include:
* Performing, analysing and authorising both molecular and serological based testing.
* Assisting with the supply of HLA selected products and providing advice to clinicians.
* Communicating specialist results to internal and external clinicians, other healthcare colleagues and scientific staff.
* Assisting with quality management duties within the laboratory, under the direction of the Clinical Scientist Section Heads and Laboratory Operations Manager.
* Contributing to the coordination and supervision of the work, training and conduct of scientific and support staff.
* You will be required to train and work on a rotational basis in all areas of the department.
With appropriate training and experience you will be required to participate in a 24/7 on-call rota and exceptionally to provide cover in times of operational difficulty for which notice will be given.
About You
Experience and Knowledge Band 6
* Broad knowledge of a relevant biological science.
* Experience of working in a laboratory environment.
* Evidence of involvement in Research and Development Projects.
* Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint).
Experience and Knowledge Band 7
* In depth knowledge and expertise in clinical solid organ and/or stem cell transplantation science.
* Proficiency in relevant specialised laboratory techniques / environments.
* Experience of working to relevant quality and accreditation systems and standards.
* Evidence of involvement in Research and Development Projects.
* Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), or equivalent Systems.
Qualifications and Training Band 6
* BSc in Biological Sciences or relevant equivalent experience.
* Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
Qualifications and Training Band 7
* Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical Scientist (which must be maintained).
* BSc in Biological/Medical sciences or relevant science degree or equivalent.
* MSc or equivalent in transplantation, immunology, transfusion or relevant science or post graduate qualification e.g. British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) Diploma, specialist portfolio, FIBMS OR equivalent relevant experience.
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
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.
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.
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.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 14th October 2025
Interviews are anticipated to be held w/c 27/10/2025 subject to confirmation
For informal enquiries please contact Kirti Mepani - Clinical Scientist Section Head via email at Kirti.Mepani@nhsbt.nhs.uk