JOB SUMMARY

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is an integral part of the NHS, collecting and processing 2 million blood donations a year. Our Healthcare Scientists provide crucial support to NHS Hospitals, processing, testing and issuing blood and its components and delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services relating to the transfusion of blood and stem cells, transplantation and tissue banking.
The IBGRL Red Cell Reference department provides an internationally renowned immunohaematology reference service for NHS Blood and Transplant and the international transfusion community. We deal exclusively in complex and interesting red cell immunohaematology problems, often involving rare blood groups. RCR is distinguished by the scientific expertise of its small team of staff and an unparallelled collection of rare cells and sera. In collaboration with colleagues around the world the RCR laboratory continues to make important discoveries in the field of human blood groups. We also compile and maintain the International Rare Donor Panel.
An HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with considerable post registration experience, you’ll have a specialist qualification in Transfusion/Transplantation Science. A Biomedical Scientist wishing to develop specialist transfusion skills will be considered for the post, paid as a BMS on a Band 5 whilst achieving the necessary experience and qualifications. We have two posts to recruit to and our priority is to appoint Band 6 BMS Specialists.
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.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Experience of the use of a range of laboratory analysers and equipment (Band 5)
• Experience in a range of scientific techniques (Band 5)
• Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion / transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a Biomedical Scientist (Band 6)
• Experience in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment (Band 6)
• Experience in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met (Band 6)
• Understanding of UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UK Blood Transfusion Service (UKBTS) and British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines (Band 6)
• Experience of working with Information Technology
• Experience of writing reports, preparing and delivering presentations and training and mentoring staff (Band 6)

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist
• Science graduate with relevant post graduate training eg British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent experience (Band 6)
• Evidence of continuous learning and professional development
• Willingness to undertake further training and 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 Sunday 14th September 2025.
  Interviews are anticipated to be held on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd September 2025 subject to confirmation.
  For informal enquiries please contact Benjamin Jones, Red Cell Reference Manager (IBGRL) via email at Ben.Jones@nhsbt.nhs.u

• You will be required to perform, analyse, record and interpret a wide range of laboratory investigations and technical procedures relating to the issue of patient test results for organ transplant and blood transfusion and the issue of blood and tissue products, with the support of the team
• You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff
• You will be required to handle blood and tissue samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment
• The role may require you to work variable hours and days, weekends and bank holidays as per the roster within the department (unless otherwise rostered within the shift agreement) with appropriate notice, depending on specialty see ‘About the Benefits’