Senior Healthcare Technical Officer (SHTO)

NHS Blood and Transplant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join NHS Blood and Transplant as a Band 4 technician in the Components Development Laboratory. You will perform scientific activities, support staff, and contribute to the safety of blood components. The role offers a starting salary of £26,530 to £29,114 and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Continuous learning culture

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform a range of technical and scientific activities in the laboratory.
• Support and train less experienced staff.
• Contribute to the Testing Development Laboratory.

Skills

Supervising others

Information Technology

Education

Level 4 qualification in a relevant science subject

Job description

Job Summary

The NHS Blood & Transplant Components Development Laboratory is an internationally recognised laboratory performing a wide range of research and development projects to improve the quality and safety of blood components for transfusion. From June 2014, the laboratory will be based at NHSBT-Cambridge, alongside Addenbrooke’s Hospital on the world-renowned Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The post holder, reporting to a senior laboratory scientist, will be required to perform a range of technical and scientific activities within the laboratory. These include; preparing reagents and controls according to standard protocols; performing machine calibrations and operations as authorised; performing routine monitoring and reporting aberrant results; routine stock control and reconciliation of clinical waste. Good communication skills are essential, as the post holder would be required to support and train less experienced staff in certain procedures, and to actively contribute to laboratory meetings.

Main duties of the job

You will be required to perform a range of scientific and technical activities related to the blood (and where appropriate tissue) donations from our donors, with the support of the team

You will be required to contribute to the Testing Development Laboratory by performing evaluation & validation wet work, creation of panels from plasma packs, troubleshooting, equipment management, stock control and laboratory housekeeping.

You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff

You will be required to undertake precise repetitive manipulation of equipment and blood samples/donations and carry out routine tasks on a regular basis

You will be required to handle blood bags and a range of equipment

The role will require you to work variable hours and days, weekends and bank holidays as per the roster within the department (unless otherwise rostered within the shift agreement) with appropriate notice

You will be required to manually handle equipment on a daily basis weighing up to 13 kgs, with or without mechanical aids, with appropriate training

About You

Experience

• Experience of supervising others
• Experience of working with Information Technology such as Microsoft Office

Qualifications

• Level 4 qualification e.g. BTEC or HNC in a relevant science subject, NHSBT Foundation Degree OR equivalent knowledge and experience of working in a manufacturing, logistics or supply chain environment requiring intermediate level theoretical knowledge acquired through formal training
• Evidence of furthering personal development
• 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:

• Starting salary of £26,530 to £29,114 per annum in accordance with AfC.
• 1x full time fixed term opportunity to join as a Band 4.
• Opportunity to work with a national organisation and be based in Cambridge.
  
• 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 is on a 23 month fixed term/secondment basis.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 21^st May 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on 9^th or 10^th June 2025 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact Athinoula Meli, Assistant Manager of the Component Development Laboratory - via email at [e-mail]