Job Summary
Join NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) as a Biomedical Scientist in our Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) laboratories and make a real impact on patient care. You’ll work as part of a clinical team, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, in a role that directly contributes to saving and improving lives.
We offer a structured New Starter Course combining interactive e-learning, online group teaching, and hands-on training at our national laboratories. You’ll gain experience in core transfusion techniques, advanced RCI testing, and innovative methods, including virtual reality learning. Protected training time, funding support, and guidance from specialist Biomedical Scientists ensure you can develop the skills needed to excel in your role.
There are excellent opportunities to specialise in areas such as Quality Control, training and education, or research and development. Whether you’re an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with post-registration experience or a motivated BMS keen to develop specialist transfusion skills, we provide support to help you achieve your qualifications and career ambitions.
In return, you’ll enjoy a dynamic working environment, modern equipment, and a rewarding role where your work makes a difference every day.
Main duties of the job
In this role your responsibilities will include:
1. Performing, analysing, recording and interpreting a wide range of laboratory investigations and technical procedures relating to patient test results and blood products, with the support of the team.
2. Monitoring workflow, procedures, equipment and storage facilities and taking appropriate action to resolve problems within agreed timescales.
3. Analyse, validate, interpret, record, transmit and report the results of routine and complex investigations.
4. Handling blood samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment.
5. Supervising, training and mentoring junior scientific and support staff.
6. Providing specialist advice to a range of service users.
You will be required to participate in a shift working rota which may include evening, weekend or public holiday workings.
You will be required to provide cover in times of operational difficulty, with reasonable notice.
About You
Experience and Knowledge (Essential)
Band 5
7. Broad understanding of the NHSBT including its functions/departments and the wider healthcare community.
8. In depth knowledge and understanding of the Biomedical Scientist role within NHSBT.
9. Experienced in the use of a range of laboratory equipment.
10. Broad Knowledge of transfusion and transplantation science.
11. Competent in a range of manual scientific techniques.
Band 6
12. Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge of transfusion gained through previous experience working as a Biomedical Scientist.
13. Evidence of working to the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, UKAS and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
14. Experienced in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met.
15. Experienced in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment.
16. Evidence of training and mentoring staff.
Qualifications and Training (Essential)
Band 5
17. Good understanding of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UK Blood Transfusion Service (UKBTS) and British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines.
18. Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (which must be maintained).
19. Evidence of completing a structured training programme in Transfusion and Transplantation Science.
20. Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
Band 6
21. Science graduate with relevant post graduate training e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate or equivalent.
22. Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (which must be maintained).
23. Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).