Job Summary
As a senior scientist with specialised Transfusion Microbiology knowledge and scope of practice you will be working as part of a scientific and clinical team, including doctors, nurses and other health care professionals and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patient’s lives.
There are many opportunities for career advancement within NHSBT. With experience and training you may progress to managing a section of the laboratory, right through to lead scientist with responsibility for the entire laboratory service. You may use your knowledge to specialise in an area vital to the operation of a modern reference service such as Quality Control, training and education, or research and development. You will have opportunity to learn from and network with a wide variety of colleagues in various fields both at national and international level. We will provide you with an extensive induction and training programme and ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will contribute to a clinical laboratory service; performing, analysing, interpreting, documenting and reporting routine and specialist/complex investigations and providing advice to clinicians. You will work with clinical colleagues and service users within the organisation and with external stakeholders to improve and develop Virology reference and screening services.
Responsibilities Will Include
* Taking a leading role in the development and maintenance of scientific and technical expertise within the laboratory dealing with queries from other departments, medical staff or visitors
* Managing with other Seniors, the day to day activities of the Virology Laboratory and take responsibility for the standard of work and the quality of the results produced
* Training and mentoring Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Technical staff. Supporting the development and maintance of the Quality Management System.
* Managing the work of a discrete area of the laboratory.
* Being a leading participant in development activities and either research or translational processes.
You may be required to travel and spend time away from base, which may require overnight stays, with prior notice. You may be required to provide cover during operational emergencies.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
* Extensive experience of working in a virology laboratory.
* In depth understanding of statutory and other relevant policies, standards and guidelines e.g. Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Clinical Pathology/UKAS Accreditation and BSAC guidelines.
* Experience in evaluations and validations and in contributing to the writing of protocols and reports.
Qualifications And Training
* MSc or equivalent in virology, OR equivalent higher specialist knowledge gained by examination of a professional body OR evidenced by relevant post graduate study or qualifications along with experience in virology.
* Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist.
* Committed to continued learning & development and willing to undertake additional qualifications relevant to the post and work of the laboratory
* Management qualification or evidence of management training and experience.
* Demonstrate commitment to own Continued Professional Development (CPD) and willing to undertake additional qualifications relevant to the post and work of the laboratory
* Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.
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.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 11th February 2026.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on 25th February 2026 – subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact – Mhairi Webster, Microbiology Services Laboratory Manager at mhairi.webster@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification.
Please also view the benefits information sheet which details the benefits of working for NHSBT and the hours of work, salary, leave entitlement etc. for this role.
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