Biomedical Laboratory Assistant (known as HHTO)

NHS Blood and Transplant; London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Join NHS Blood and Transplant as a laboratory technician in the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics lab. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience, being trained to handle blood samples and assist in crucial testing processes, while enjoying benefits such as flexible working hours and a supportive learning culture.

Benefits

Predictable working hours

27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

NHS pension scheme

Extensive training and development opportunities

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with Information Technology, especially Microsoft Office.
• Level 3 qualification or extensive lab experience required.

Responsibilities

• Learn routine clinical and technical tasks in a lab environment.
• Prepare and test blood samples from transplant patients.

Skills

Information Technology

Education

Level 3 qualification or National Diploma

Job description

This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work.

This vacancy may close sooner than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications, so we recommend applying early.

Job Summary

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) collect around 2 million units of blood and tissues a year, converting them into safe and effective blood components, blood and tissue products for use in the treatments of patients. Join our Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) lab and you’ll help to provide a range of testing and support services for immunogenetic diagnostic testing and stem cell and solid organ transplantation.

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience of working in a laboratory as you’ll be fully trained to perform essential tasks using some of the latest laboratory analysers and testing systems.

Main duties of the job

You will learn hands-on skills and take your first steps into a professional career within the NHS. You’ll be fully trained in a range of routine clinical, technical and scientific activities to prepare and test blood samples from transplant patients and their donors. This includes handling blood samples.

Once you’re fully trained you may also be required to share your knowledge by supporting and training less experienced staff within your team.

In order to support the lab you might also have to manually handle equipment weighing up to 13kgs sometimes without mechanical aids. But don’t worry, you will receive appropriate training to assist you with this.

About You

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of working with Information Technology such as Microsoft Office.
  
  

Qualifications And Training

• Level 3 qualification e.g. ‘A’ Levels OR National Diploma in a relevant subject area OR extensive experience of working in a laboratory, manufacturing, logistics or supply chain environment.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development.
  
  

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’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

• Predictable working hours with no weekend working.
• Extensive training and induction programme.
• 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.
  
  

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Thursday 12 June 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on Tuesday 24 June 2025 subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact Aliyye Karasu, Lab Ops Manager, via email at