Component Development Scientist

NHS Blood and Transplant; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking a scientist for a transformational project in Cambridge. The role involves operating scientific equipment, analyzing blood components, and mentoring others. Join a dedicated team in a recognized laboratory focused on improving blood quality and safety.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Continuous learning culture

Qualifications

• Experience of working as a laboratory scientist, preferably in a research laboratory.
• Willingness to undertake additional training and qualifications as appropriate.
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in the evaluation of new tests of blood component quality.
• Analyse, validate, interpret, record, transmit and report results of investigations.
• Monitor workflow and take appropriate action to resolve problems.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Research and development methodology

Information Technology

Education

Degree in an appropriate science subject

Job description

Job Summary

We have an opportunity for a scientist to join our team.

You will be part of a large transformational project in partnership with industry to develop new plasma and platelet components that can be transfused to any patient.

You will be required to operate a range of specialised scientific equipment during controlled investigations of blood component quality. You will analyse and interpret results from such tests, recording and communicating them accurately, both orally and in written form. Work will usually be conducted as part of a team, but with a significant degree of individual responsibility, it is therefore important that you are able to communicate well and accurately, and to mentor others.

The NHS Blood & Transplant Components Development Laboratory is an internationally recognised laboratory based at Cambridge, alongside Addenbooke’s Hospital on the world-renowned Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The component development laboratory performs a wide range of research and development projects to improve the quality and safety of blood components for transfusion.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will be required to :-

• Lead or assist in the evaluation of new tests of blood component quality or blood component processing. Undertake a wide range of laboratory investigations and scientific procedures using automated and manual techniques.
• Analyse, validate, interpret, record, transmit and report the results of routine and complex investigations.
• Monitor workflow, procedures, equipment and storage facilities and take appropriate action to resolve problems and ensure work is completed within agreed timescales.
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails for all work and store samples or materials appropriately to facilitate further work or investigation.
  
  

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of working as a laboratory scientist, preferably in a research laboratory.
• Experience of research and development methodology
• Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  
  

Qualifications And Training

• Degree in an appropriate science subject with relevant post graduate training and research abilities
• Willingness to undertake additional training and qualifications as appropriate
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)
  
  

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

• 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.
  
  

The following positions are available:-

1 x Permanent 37.5 hours/week.

1 x 18 Months Fixed Term/Secondment 37.5 hours/week

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 4 June 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on Tuesday 17 June 2025 subject to confirmation

For informal enquiries please contact Melanie Munro, Translational Research Programme Lead via email at [e-mail]