Job summary
Our work in Cellular and Molecular Therapies (CMT) is central to the provision and improvement of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This work enables us to support approximately half of stem cell transplants carried out in England each year through a network of GMP grade laboratories. We also carry out translational research and development activities with academic and commercial partners to ensure we are at the forefront of improvements to transplantation and related fields. Our expertise in GMP, quality and regulatory matters ensures that we always maintain the highest standards in the first-class service we offer.
You will be working as part of a laboratory team, including clinical and biomedical scientists together with other health care professionals. You will be involved in the production of cell therapies and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patients lives.
You will have the opportunity to learn new skills particularly related to the production of new cell therapies which are being developed for testing in clinical trials.
There are many opportunities for career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care. 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 lead in the development and maintenance of scientific and technical expertise within a modern well equipped cell therapy laboratory. You will also be involved in providing training and guidance to healthcare scientists in your area of expertise. Your responsibilities will include:
- Analysing, interpreting, validating, and reporting the results of routine and complex / specialist investigations, working at the level of responsibility and conduct required of a registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Analysing and performing complex / specialist testing and processing of cells and/or tissues for cryopreservation and therapeutic clinical use using complex / specialist scientific equipment such as flow cytometers and cell selection / depletion protocols and maintain equipment to the required standards.
- Receiving and communicating highly complex and specialist advice to/from internal and external clinicians, nurses and scientific staff on for example test results.
- Ensuring cells and/or tissue products meet all specifications necessary for patient safety and therapeutic use according to internal and external quality requirements and operating within the boundaries of good manufacturing and laboratory practice.
- Supervising and coordinating other staff, working late some weekday evenings and/or weekends as required.
About us
At NHS Blood and Transplant, were incredibly proud of the many talented people who come together every day to make our organisation the very best it can be. We have clearly defined values that are centred around offering exceptional care to our donors and their families. We take care of each other too and we focus on building our expertise so we can change lives, provide quality support and offer fulfilling careers.
Its an opportunity to contribute to a unique team as part of a service that saves lives 365 days a year. We offer brilliant benefits including 27 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), a comprehensive induction and training programme, and competitive pension scheme.
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with and positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality.
Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please note a 5% Recruitment and Retention incentive will be awarded to the post holder and will be reviewed annually.
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.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Sunday 19th May 2024.
Interviews are anticipated to be held around the end of May subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Gurman Kaur, Head of Cell Therapies (Oxford) at [email protected].
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MSc in transfusion/transplantation or relevant science. OR IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma. OR PhD or Professional Doctorate in a relevant field. OR Alternative training and equivalent experience.
- Registration with Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist / Clinical Scientist, which must be maintained.
- Member of a professional body e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS)/ British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI).
- Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
Experience
Essential
- In depth knowledge of transfusion/transplantation science.
- High level of expertise in relevant transfusion specialism, ideally demonstrated by publications.
- Knowledge and evidence of application of the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, HTA and MHRA regulations, JACIE guidelines and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
- Supervisory experience, including training and mentoring of colleagues.
- Experience of working in a stem cell, tissue services, Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I), Haematology, diagnostic or testing service environment.
- Experience of working with Information Technology such as Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and high level of proficiency in relevant specialised laboratory techniques/ environments.
- Demonstrable experience in research and development projects.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
NHS Blood and Transplant
Address
NHSBT - John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley Way, Headington
Oxford
United Kingdom
OX3 9DU