Healthcare Scientist

NHS Blood and Transplant; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK Healthcare Organization seeks a Healthcare Scientist for its Microbiology Services Laboratory. The role involves performing scientific procedures and operating complex laboratory equipment. Candidates should hold a degree in Biomedical Science and have relevant laboratory experience. Opportunities for career advancement and extensive training support are provided, contributing to the vital work of saving and improving lives.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

NHS pension scheme

Commitment to continuous learning and development

Qualifications

• Experience in using laboratory analysers and equipment relevant to microbiology.
• Familiarity with various scientific techniques.
• Experience working with IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform and interpret a wide range of scientific and technical procedures.
• Conduct automated and manual investigations in a microbiology laboratory.
• Provide cover in operational difficulties.

Skills

Laboratory analysers operation

Scientific techniques knowledge

Information Technology proficiency

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science or relevant science

Job description

Job Summary

You will be working as part of a scientific and clinical team, including doctors, nurses and other health care professionals and the role you perform will directly contribute to saving and improving patient’s lives.

There are many opportunities for career advancement within NHSBT. With experience and training you may progress to managing a section of the laboratory, right through to lead scientist with responsibility for the entire laboratory service. You may use your knowledge to specialise in an area vital to the operation of a modern reference service such as Quality Control, training and education, or research and development.

We will provide you with an extensive induction and training programme and ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.

Main duties of the job

The Microbiology Services Laboratory (MSL) is a specialist laboratory responsible for the confirmation of microbiological screen reactivity in samples from blood, tissue and stem cell donors. MSL also performs some specialist non-blood donor screening (tissue, stem cell and organ donors), the lot release testing of microbiological assays, and provides expert advice and guidance.

• You will be required to perform and interpret a wide range of specialist scientific and technical procedures and tests relating to the issue of results for blood, tissue or stem cell products.
• You will be required to conduct automated and manual investigations in a microbiology reference laboratory, operating a range of complex and routine equipment, applying scientific, theoretical and practical knowledge expected of a Healthcare Scientist.
• You will be required to provide cover in times of operational difficulty, with reasonable notice.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of the use of a range of laboratory analysers and equipment relevant to a microbiology/virology laboratory.
• Experience in a range of scientific techniques.
• Experience of working with Information Technology.

Qualifications And Training

• Degree in Biomedical Science or appropriate science degree.
• 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

• 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 programme 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.

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.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Sunday 14th December 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on 6th and 7th January 2026 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact – Mhairi Webster, MSL Laboratory Manager, [e-mail]