Job Description
Job Title: Biomedical Scientist / Biomedical Scientist Specialist (Band 5/6)
This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship if offered at Band 5 and at a location which does not attract London Higher Cost Area Supplements. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point at the top of Band 5.
We are currently hiring for full-time roles across Liverpool, Barnsley, Newcastle only.
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:
- 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.
- Monitoring workflow, procedures, equipment and storage facilities and taking appropriate action to resolve problems within agreed timescales.
- Analyse, validate, interpret, record, transmit and report the results of routine and complex investigations.
- Handling blood samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment.
- Supervising, training and mentoring junior scientific and support staff.
- 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
- Broad understanding of the NHSBT including its functions/departments and the wider healthcare community.
- In depth knowledge and understanding of the Biomedical Scientist role within NHSBT.
- Experienced in the use of a range of laboratory equipment.
- Broad Knowledge of transfusion and transplantation science.
- Competent in a range of manual scientific techniques.
Band 6
- Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge of transfusion gained through previous experience working as a Biomedical Scientist.
- Evidence of working to the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, UKAS and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
- Experienced in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met.
- Experienced in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment.
- Evidence of training and mentoring staff.
Qualifications and Training (Essential)
Band 5
- 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.
- Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (which must be maintained).
- Evidence of completing a structured training programme in Transfusion and Transplantation Science.
- Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
Band 6
- Science graduate with relevant post graduate training e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate or equivalent.
- Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (which must be maintained).
- Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
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:
- Key Benefit: You will be trained on RCI’s New Starter Course hands-on labs, interactive e-learning, and immersive VR. Fully funded 5-day face-to-face weeks equip you with specialist skills to excel in immunohaematology.
- Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
- Generous annual leave - 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.
- Inclusive 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: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
- Supportive learning culture - 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.
- Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.
You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website:
To learn more, please see the job description and person specification. These can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.
Next steps
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 26th April 2026
The interview will include a laboratory-based task followed by a final interview. Full details will be shared closer to the date.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on 11th May 2026 – subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact – Ella Smith at ella.smith@nhsbt.nhs.uk
NHSBT reserves the right to close this vacancy early should a high volume of applications be received. We recommend applying early.
