Job Description
Biomedical Scientist
This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 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.
Job Summary
As a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), you will play a vital role in saving and improving lives. Working in a specialist laboratory environment, you will carry out, analyse and interpret a wide range of scientific tests that support the safe supply of blood, tissues and related products.
Your work will directly support patients with complex clinical needs, while helping ensure accuracy, quality and safety at every step. You’ll work both independently and as part of a skilled, supportive team, contributing your expertise while continuing to learn and develop.
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. This specific role is to assist with genetic testing of both donors and patient’s samples to help in the resolution of complex investigations. We also compile and maintain the International Rare Donor Panel.
Main duties of the job
Your responsibilities will include:
- 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.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of the use of a range of laboratory analysers and equipment
- Experience in a range of scientific techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of transfusion and transplantation science
- Experience of working with Information Technology
Qualifications and Training
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist
- 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:
- 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:
Read about our application process
Learn more about our culture at NHSBT
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 is a full time position, working 37.5 hours per week on a fixed term basis for 18 months. This position will be based in Filton.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 – subject to confirmation.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on 17th June 2026 – subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact:
Name: Ben Jones
Job Title: Red Cell Reference Manager
Contact Details: ben.jones@nhsbt.nhs.uk
