Blood Transfusion Scientific Lead

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the leadership team of a prominent pathology partnership in London. The Blood Transfusion Scientific Lead will provide management and leadership for Blood Transfusion services, ensuring high-quality service delivery across multiple sites. This role requires a highly qualified individual with extensive experience in Blood Transfusion sciences and a commitment to excellence. The successful candidate will coordinate complex services, implement transformation initiatives, and oversee projects that enhance transfusion safety. Join a dedicated team focused on improving healthcare outcomes and making a significant impact in the NHS.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Transfusion Laboratory systems.
• Significant experience at 8a level in Blood Transfusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Blood Transfusion services across the ESEL network.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality management.

Skills

Transfusion method development

Clinical governance principles

Complex lab techniques

Data analysis and presentation

Quality management and MHRA standards

Education

MSc Biomedical Science/Transfusion

HCPC registration

Management and leadership training

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the leadership team of East and South East London (ESEL) Pathology Partnership in our journey to excellence. Applications are invited for the position of Blood Transfusion Scientific Lead for our ESEL Network. The successful applicant will need to be enthusiastic, share our vision of a high-quality transfusion service, and be suitably qualified and highly experienced in Blood Transfusion sciences. This role is offered as substantive employment.

Management & Leadership: This role provides management and leadership for Blood Transfusion services across the ESEL Pathology network, accountable for leading and managing the delivery and development of Blood Transfusion across all seven sites, with potential expansion. The post holder will coordinate, develop, and implement complex services and transformation initiatives to improve efficiency and quality. Responsibilities include overseeing Blood Transfusion projects, planning daily service delivery, and establishing performance management processes to monitor and improve performance.

Main duties include:

1. Operational: Direct line management and leadership of Operational Leads across the network, developing a highly skilled workforce providing a comprehensive, cost-effective, and high-quality Blood Transfusion service. Leading the ESEL Transfusion Practitioner Team and collaborating with the Hospital Transfusion Committee to ensure best practices, appropriate blood component use, and alternatives to transfusion, following directives and guidelines.
2. Quality and Governance: Strategic leadership in maintaining high-quality, responsive services meeting regulatory standards, including the EU Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (MHRA), UKAS ISO15189 accreditation, and SHOT standards. Collaborates with the Pathology Quality & Governance Team to ensure compliance across the network.

The Blood Transfusion Scientific Lead will align the vision of the ESEL partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and NBTC's 5-year strategy to enhance transfusion safety in the NHS.

About us

The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organization providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Hosted by Barts Health, the partnership operates a model with the Royal London Hospital as the main hub and Essential Service Laboratories at other sites.

Services include Blood Sciences (Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Biochemistry), Infectious Diseases (Microbiology, Virology), Cellular Pathology (Histopathology, Cytology, Mortuary), Immunology, Cytogenetics, Molecular Haematology, Immunophenotyping, Clinical Transplantation, and Retinoblastoma.

In 2020/21, total operating costs were approximately £126m with a workforce of around 822 WTE. We are committed to our WeCare values, promoting an inclusive environment and encouraging applications from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented.

Details

Date posted: 07 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8b

Salary: £70,387 to £80,465 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 259-7191100ESEL

Job location: Royal London Hospital, London, E1 2ES

Job description

The full job description and person specification detail key tasks, responsibilities, qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. Please view the attachments for detailed documents.

For further details or informal visits, contact Hugh Boothe, Blood Sciences Divisional Manager, NHS ESEL Pathology Partnership, at 07761 405257 or [e-mail].

Person Specification

Experience (Essential):

• Extensive experience with Transfusion Laboratory systems
• Experience managing staff, including HR issues
• Significant experience at 8a level in Blood Transfusion

Experience (Desirable):

• Business planning, capital bids, resource extension
• Audit and service evaluation experience
• Budget management experience

Skills (Essential):

• Transfusion method development
• Knowledge of clinical governance principles
• Competence in complex lab techniques and troubleshooting
• Data analysis, interpretation, and presentation skills
• Knowledge of quality management and MHRA standards

Knowledge (Essential):

• Advanced knowledge in Transfusion Science
• Understanding of Quality management systems and MHRA standards
• Leadership abilities in large, complex labs
• H&S legislation and procedures

Qualifications (Essential):

• MSc Biomedical Science/Transfusion or IBMS Special Examination (Fellowship)
• HCPC registration
• CPD participation evidence
• Management and leadership training
• BBTS Specialist Certificate or equivalent

Other (Essential):

• Commitment to staff and self development
• Prioritization, organization, delegation skills
• Openness and partnership culture
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks, UK visa sponsorship requirements, and UK registration standards.