Senior Post-Doctoral Development Scientist

at  NHS Blood and Transplant

JOB SUMMARY

The Protein Development and Production Unit (PDPU) is part of the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) which performs a vital role within NHSBT. IBGRL was established in 1946 to centralise production of blood grouping reagents and has a reputation as an international centre for excellence.
The PDPU is involved in a range of projects to develop and produce recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. These reagents, some of which are CE marked, are used in diagnostic tests and for research. They are supplied internally for use within NHSBT and externally to hospitals, academic institutions, and commercial customers worldwide.
The development of new antibody and antigen reagents will ensure that NHSBT are able respond to emerging new techniques and therapies, and it is your role to ensure that you horizon scan for relevant emerging developments and implement projects required to develop these products. You will ensure that development projects are well managed within PDPU to deliver products that are required through engagement with internal and external stakeholders. It is essential that the CE marked reagents conform to ISO13485 standards and reagents provided for diagnostic use must also comply with these regulations to ensure they are fit for purpose.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth level of expertise in a relevant specialism, evidenced by publications, patents and research grant funding.
• Experience and knowledge in own specific area of research and development, as evidenced by publications/patents.
• Evidence of a high level of proficiency in the use of relevant, specialised laboratory techniques and equipment within a clinical environment
• Knowledge and understanding of NHSBT Research Governance
• Evidence of supervising, training, developing and mentoring staff.
• Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• PhD in a relevant scientific area or equivalent extensive post-graduate research experience, as evidenced by publications.
• Evidence of successful completion of a three-year post-doctoral or equivalent research project.
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
  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 will 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.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Monday 26th Aug 2024.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on or around 24th September subject to confirmation
For informal enquiries please contact Rosey Mushens, Operations Manager at rosey.mushens@nhsbt.nhs.u

In this role, you will undertake and manage specialist development activities in NHSBT-PDPU. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and conducting research and development activities regarding development and improvement of products for use within NHSBT and for provision to external customers.
• Communicating results orally and in writing to own and other professions.
• Supervising and training less experienced staff/students/trainees/researchers.
• Ensuring that areas of responsibility are managed to the highest standards.
• Managing and undertaking the development of new reagents as required by NHSBT or external customers.
• Managing development staff, including recruitment, allocation of workloads, quality of work, career development and performance issues.
• Ensuring that reagents are produced to the highest quality standard including CE marking regulations and GMP.
• Working closely with other managers across functions, with customers and suppliers to maintain and improve the service offered by PDPU.
• Managing and undertaking projects required within NHSBT through partnerships with CI, H&I, CBC and CMT and other internal/external customers.

You will be required to provide cover during operational emergencies.