Job overview
This an exciting opportunity for a motivated and hardworking HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join a team of dedicated Transfusion Scientists and Associate Practitioners at Cambridge University Hospitals NHSFT.
We deliver one of the UK's largest hospital transfusion services providing support for CUH's Transplantation Centre, regional Trauma network and the Rosie Maternity and Neonatal Units; consequently the department deals with major blood loss on a daily basis. The department processes ~70,000 blood groups and associated antibody investigations and issues ~50,000 blood and blood components annually. We also provide an in-house specialist RCI service to the Trust.
The post involves performing a range of tasks that contributes to the diagnostic service, including pre-transfusion compatibility testing, provision of blood and blood components, daily maintenance and IQC of laboratory equipment, cold chain maintenance and laboratory housekeeping tasks.
You will be an inspiring, conscientious and enthusiastic individual, capable of careful and accurate work. You will have good numeracy, literacy and keyboard / IT skills, have an interest in science and laboratory work and a willingness to develop your skills and knowledge to undertake the role successfully. Good communication skills and previous experience of working within a Transfusion laboratory are essential.
The department runs a comprehensive 24/7 service; it is expected that you will participate in early, late, night and weekend shifts.
Consideration will be given to applicants who can demonstrate significant evidence towards completion of the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and expect to be HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist within 6 months.
Main duties of the job
To practice as a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist in Blood Transfusion.
To analyse and enter results of serological investigations in order to select and issue compatible blood and blood products for transfusion into patients according to departmental SOPs.
To maintain competence through CPD
To participate in training and supervision of less experienced staff.
To work flexibly in reflection of service needs. This will include participation in the out of hours shift rota as required.
To maintain and promote a professional image of Pathology.
Working for our organisation
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 9th November 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 24th November 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
•HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
•Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
•Evidence of CPD
Desirable criteria
•Working towards an appropriate Post Registration qualification in Blood Transfusion Science which may include:
•BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice.
•IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice.
•IBMS Specialist Diploma in Transfusion Science
Experience
Essential criteria
•Practical experience of working in a Blood Transfusion laboratory.
•Experience of Pathology IT systems.
•Experience of Quality Management Systems.
•Experience of training and supervision of staff
Knowledge
Essential criteria
•Theoretical knowledge and practical experience of specialist biomedical procedures relevant to post.
Skills
Essential criteria
•Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
•Interpretation and analytical skills
•Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently
•Able to prioritise own workload and that of others to meet needs of the service
•Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
•High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
•Willingness to undertake cross training to extend skill set to deliver role.
Desirable criteria
•Proven influencing and negotiating skills at all levels
•Demonstrable mentoring skills
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Desirable criteria
•Credible and effective leadership qualities.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Apply online now
Further details / informal visits contact
Name
Katherine Philpott
Job title
Transfusion Laboratory Manager
Email address
katherine.philpott@nhs.net
Telephone number
01223 596286