Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist / Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist

NHS Blood and Transplant; Dodworth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Inclusive pension scheme

Thrive learning culture

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking a Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist/Specialist. The role supports production, testing and release of advanced therapy products within a GMP-regulated lab, with potential progression from Band 5 to Band 6 depending on competencies.

Band 5 emphasizes development and CPD, while Band 6 adds mentoring, complex investigations and service improvement responsibilities. Flexibility and on-call duties are required.

Qualifications

• Band 5: Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent knowledge; CPD commitment.
• Band 6: Degree in a scientific discipline; postgraduate specialist training; CPD commitment.

Responsibilities

• Produce and support manufacture of cell and molecular therapy products.
• Perform investigations using molecular and cell culture techniques.
• Analyse results; ensure data meets quality and safety standards before release.
• Maintain records and audit trails per GMP/GLP guidelines.
• Monitor equipment and workflows; help maintain reliable service.
• Contribute to service development and new technologies.
• Validate equipment, materials, reagents and software.
• Collaborate with NHSBT colleagues to resolve challenges.
• Develop expertise via CPD and specialist training.
• Supervise trainees and lab staff; Band 6 role includes coordination.

Skills

Lab equipment

Scientific techniques

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Chromatography

Workload planning

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Adaptability

Problem solving

Service improvements

Transfusion science

GMP/GLP

CPD

Mentoring

Education

Biomedical Science degree

Science degree

Postgraduate training

CPD commitment

Tools

Lab equipment software

Quality systems

Job description

Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist (band 6) / Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist (band 5)

Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist (band 5) 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.

Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist (band 6) is eligible for sponsorship.

Job Summary

As a Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist/Specialist with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), you’ll play a vital role in delivering innovative cell and molecular therapies that help save and improve lives. Working within a specialist GMP-regulated laboratory, you’ll support the production, testing and release of advanced therapy products used in clinical trials and patient treatments. Depending on your experience, you may join at Band 5 and develop your expertise through structured learning and hands‑on experience, or at Band 6 where you’ll take on greater responsibility for complex investigations, mentoring colleagues and supporting service improvement. Whatever your level, you’ll contribute to high‑quality scientific services, work with cutting‑edge technologies and collaborate with experts across the organisation while building a rewarding career in a field that continues to transform healthcare.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not yet meet all Band 6 criteria but have the skills, potential, and ambition to develop within this specialist field. Where appropriate, appointments may be made at Band 5 with a structured development pathway to support progression to Band 6 on achievement of the required competencies.

This role is full‑time; 37.5 hours per week worked over Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 16:30pm daily. 24/7 on call is mandatory and evening and weekend work will be by arrangement, so a degree of flexibility is required for this role.

Main duties of the job

• Produce and support the manufacture of cell and molecular therapy products that contribute directly to patient care and clinical innovation.
• Perform a range of laboratory investigations and scientific procedures using molecular, cell culture and other specialist techniques.
• Analyse and interpret laboratory results, ensuring products and data meet agreed quality and safety standards before release.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and audit trails in line with GMP, GLP and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor equipment, workflows and processes, identifying issues and helping to maintain an efficient and reliable service.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvements and the introduction of new technologies, products and processes.
• Validate equipment, materials, reagents and software to support safe and effective laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across NHSBT to resolve scientific and operational challenges and deliver the best outcomes for patients.
• Develop your expertise through continuing professional development, specialist training and participation in improvement initiatives.
• Supervise the work and conduct of trainees and laboratory support staff, with Band 6 appointees taking a more active role in supervision, training and coordination of work activities.

Willingness and ability to undertake travel and spend time away from base, to cover in times of operational difficulty, as well as a willingness to work irregular hours including some weekend work to meet the requirements of this post (with appropriate prior notice).

About You

Experience and Knowledge

Band 5

• Experience using laboratory equipment and applying a range of scientific techniques with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of and some experience with molecular biology, cell culture, chromatography or related laboratory methodologies.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise your workload while maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Strong communication and teamworking skills, with the ability to work independently when required.
• Ability to adapt to change, solve problems and contribute positively to service improvements.

Band 6

• Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge of transfusion/transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a laboratory scientist.
• Experienced in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment.
• Experienced in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met.
• Evidence of working to the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Clinical Pathology Accreditation and other relevant or statutory guidelines.
• Evidence of training and mentoring staff.

Qualifications and Training

Band 5

• Degree in Biomedical Science or another relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent knowledge gained through experience.
• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

Band 6

• Degree in a scientific discipline.
• Relevant postgraduate specialist training, such as the British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate or equivalent.
• Commitment to continuing 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:

• 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.

Next steps

This vacancy will close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026 however this vacancy may close sooner than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of application.

The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Interviews are anticipated to be held on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th October 2026 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact –

Name: Victoria Day

Job Title: Head of Advanced Therapies

Contact Details: Email – [e-mail]