Trainee Clinical Perfusion Scientist (Band 5) - Perfusion - University Hospitals of North Midla[...]

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust; England; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable NHS Trust is seeking a Trainee Clinical Perfusion Scientist for a 30-month fixed-term training contract. The role offers comprehensive training under supervision and combines academic learning at the University of Bristol with hands-on experience at the Trust, preparing candidates for a career in clinical perfusion science.

Qualifications

• 2:1 BSc (Hons) in a suitable subject required for MSc entry.
• Evidence of experience in a position of responsibility is beneficial.
• In-depth knowledge of cardiac anatomy/physiology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate heart-lung machines and other related medical devices.
• Monitor and record physiological parameters during procedures.
• Support team activities and adherence to safety protocols.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

Life Science Honours Degree (minimum 2.1)

Job description

Main area Perfusion Grade Band 5 Contract 30 months (Fixed Term training contract) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 205-7245567

Employer University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Employer type NHS Site University Hospitals of North Midlands Town Stoke-on-Trent Salary £29,970 - £36,483 Per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 19/06/2025 23:59

Trainee Clinical Perfusion Scientist

Band 5

Job overview

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated individual to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team as a Trainee Clinical Perfusionist. This unique opportunity offers entry into a highly specialised healthcare field within a dedicated, supportive team.

UHNM is a Major Trauma Centre serving Northwest Midlands and North Wales, performing 750-800 cardiac procedures annually including complex aortic and minimally invasive surgeries.

Under supervision of accredited Clinical Perfusionists, you will learn to manage patients' circulatory and respiratory function by operating heart-lung machines during cardiac surgery. Training combines MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science at University of Bristol with clinical experience at UHNM.

Requirements:

• Life Science Honours Degree (minimum 2.1)
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Calm, methodical approach under pressure

Completion leads to professional registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists and accreditation from the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists. On-call participation required as training progresses.

Join our team committed to compassion, safety, continual improvement and supporting your professional development.

Main duties of the job

Under direct supervision, the following areas of Clinical Perfusion knowledge and skills will be taught and are expected to be demonstrated as part of progression towards becoming a qualified practitioner:

· To set-up, prime and run the Heart-Lung Machine (HLM) during Cardiopulmonary Bypass during cardiac surgery.

· To set-up and operate the Cell-Salvage machine.

· To set-up and operate the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps.

· Assist in the preparation and operation of the HLM and axillary equipment during adult cardiac surgery.

· Undertake structured clinical training within the department and attend all require university blocks, alongside assessments, as part of the MSc programme.

· Monitor and record physiological parameters during procedures, ensuring patient safety and accurate documentation.

· Support the team in equipment checks, setup, cleaning, maintenance and troubleshooting of perfusion related devices and machinery.

· Communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team.

· Adhere to departmental SOP’s and Trust policies.

· Uphold the values and behaviours of the UHNM NHS Trust.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.

All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.

At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We require a strong commitment to learning to perform the clinical duties and responsibilities of a registered Clinical Perfusion Scientist, whilst fully participating in and supporting the department. Additionally, there is a substantial commitment to a continuously demanding level of practical and theoretical study, this is reflected in the nature of the role once qualified. The Perfusion department at UHNM is equally committed to providing an excellent training environment with mentors at all levels, centred around a positive culture and a vision for outstanding patient care.

Under direct supervision, the following areas of Clinical Perfusion knowledge and skills will be taught and are expected to be demonstrated as part of progression towards becoming a qualified practitioner:

• Learn to select and prepare equipment and supplies for heart surgery procedures, including setting up heart-lung machines for planned and emergency operations.
• Develop skills in operating life-support equipment to keep patients stable during surgery, including heart-lung machines and intra-aortic balloon pumps.
• Build expertise in performing blood gas tests and advanced blood clotting analysis (TEG) to monitor patient condition and support surgical decision-making.
• Master the use of monitoring and safety equipment, demonstrating skills in managing complex patient information to ensure safety and clinical excellence.
• Prepare and operate specialised equipment for blood-saving procedures and circuit modifications to optimise patient care during surgery.
• Follow strict safety protocols including proper cleaning, infection control, equipment disposal, and maintenance of all clinical devices.
• Support activities that promote best practice across all areas of clinical perfusion while maintaining the highest clinical standards.
• Complete accurate documentation of procedures and patient care, maintaining records for quality improvement, audit, and performance management purposes.
• Participate in departmental development initiatives, projects, and quality improvement activities to advance perfusion practice.
• Assist with inventory management and procurement processes to ensure adequate supplies and efficient resource utilisation.
• Contribute to clinical governance and work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Engage in continuous professional development and learning opportunities to build expertise in this specialised field.
• Participate in the on-call rota as required.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information.

Person specification

Essential Qualifications

• 2:1 BSc (hons) in suitable subject, to gain entry to Perfusion MSc.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience

• Understand the role of the Clinical Perfusionist
• An in-depth knowledge of Cardiac anatomy/physiology
• Good communication skills- written and verbal
• Evidence of some experience in a position of responsibility
• Evidence of manual dexterity and spatial awareness

Personal Qualities

• Positive mindset in respect of – Supporting organisational change; learning, and continuous improvement
• Effective interpersonal and Intrapersonal skills including high degree of self-awareness and self- regulation
• Takes responsibility and is accountable for delivering to their agree objectives
• Consistently professional, collaborative and compassionate in their approach
• Assertive team player
• Able to use own initiative
• Works with patients and people at the fore – operates to a customer service ethos
• Acts to support and enable effective teamwork
• Delivers work of consistent and predictable high quality
• Able to exert patience and emotional intelligence during periods of prolonged concentration
• Emotional effort; the post holder will at times be exposed to distressing and emotional circumstances
• Ability to travel to and work across multiple sites in order to complete the MSc Perfusion Science at The University of Bristol
• Willing to undertake future on call commitment and assist with service development

Important information about your application

• All correspondence will be sent to you via the email address you applied from. Please ensure you check your emails regularly.
• References - please ensure you provide email addresses for all referees for the last three years of employment.
• We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from everyone regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.
• Flexible working will be considered in line with Trust policies
• New recruits are required to pay for their Disclosure and Barring Service check (and admin fee) prior to starting if the role requires a DBS check.
• We work with ‘trac.jobs’ to support out recruitment process. If you have any queries regarding this please read this privacy notice.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been awarded the Gold Award for proudly supporting those who serve. We actively encourage applications from the Armed Forces community.

We will communicate with you regarding your job application via email. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the security of any emails sent/received via non encrypted format.

If you would like support completing an application form, please contact the recruitment department on 01782 675533 where one of our trained assistants will be able to help

At UHNM we are fortunate to receive a high volume of applications for many of our roles, on this occasion we would reserve the right to close any advert early, therefore please apply without delay!

If you obtained your qualifications overseas, you will be required to provide an official government translation through ECCTIS (formerly known as NARIC). Please note, this is in addition to any professional registration requirements and not a replacement for your qualifications.

If you are currently in the UK on a visa, you must have at least six months remaining on your visa at the time of application to ensure sufficient time for the recruitment and training process associated with the role. The requirement of at least six months remaining on your visa does not apply to a Skilled Worker Visa, as a new Skilled Worker Visa would be required for a new role.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.