Translational Research Programme Leader

NHS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Cambridge is looking for a full-time Scientific Operations Manager to lead a major translational research programme focused on novel blood products. This role involves managing complex projects, overseeing a team, and contributing directly to groundbreaking medical advancements. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biological sciences and a track record of leadership in clinical research. This is an exciting opportunity to impact the lives of patients requiring blood transfusions.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Support for continuous learning and development

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant science e.g. biological sciences, preferably pathology based.
• Considerable experience in a clinical research laboratory or complementary research laboratory.
• Extensive demonstrable track record of successful complex project management.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead a translational research project programme.
• Provide leadership to the programme of activity in NHSBT.
• Manage the project team and external stakeholders.
• Ensure the project delivers on objectives and operates within budget.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Clinical research knowledge

Transfusion science knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

PhD in biological sciences or related field

Job description

Job summary

This is an exciting chance to join the globally renowned Component Development department; our forward-thinking department is responsible for the successful delivery of translational research projects. Furthermore, our work has the scope to be adopted internationally, so you will be directly involved in supporting thousands of patients. We are seeking a full-time scientific operations manager (translational research programme lead) to manage a large programme of research on developing novel blood products for application in civilian and military medicine. In the first instance you will be supporting PIs to develop funding applications to fund this work (2 years). If funding is successful, then we anticipate the post holder would then manage delivery of the programme and the contract would be extended for up to 5 years. The programme will include working on blood group universal blood, as well as blood grown in the laboratory from stem cells and will span basic science through to phase 1 & 2 clinical studies. It will be led by NHSBT with the University of Cambridge and Bristol plus other academic and industry partners. This is a great opportunity to help shape and be in from the start and make a real difference to the lives of patients that require a blood transfusion.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will initiate and lead a translational research project programme as part of NHSBT research strategy. Currently the work of the department is focused on several projects to make plasma and platelets blood group universal, and develop dried blood components. You will be leading one of these projects.

• In conjunction with the Programme Director, providing leadership to the programme of activity in NHSBT, providing scientific direction and oversight.
• Ensuring the smooth running of the project from set up to completion, making sure it delivers on objectives and operates within budget.
• Managing the project team, which will include external stakeholders.
• Setting up and running meetings of the project team and sub-groups.
• Being the key point of contact and ambassador for the project with all stakeholders.
• Setting up and keeping up to date an accurate project library for all stakeholders to access key documents.
• Providing updates in writing or orally to NHSBT executive and funders.
• Publishing findings from the programme.
• Helping to write funding proposals and business cases.
• You will be supported by a program manager for day-to-day project management activity.
• You may be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays and internal travel to meet collaborating partners when required, with prior notice.

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.

Details

• Date posted: 14 January 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8b
• Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 24 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 008036
• Job locations: NHSBT Long Road Cambridge CB2 0PT

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant science e.g. biological sciences, preferably pathology based
• Considerable experience in a clinical research laboratory or complementary research laboratory
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)

Experience

• Extensive demonstrable track record of successful complex project management, preferably in an R+D or healthcare setting
• Management and leadership experience for example target setting, staff development and performance review
• In-depth knowledge of Transfusion/Haematology and / or Transplantation science or complementary discipline
• Knowledge of and/or experience working to Good Manufacturing Practice in life science or pharmaceutical setting would be desirable
• Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, Visio and PowerPoint)

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer Details

NHS Blood and Transplant

NHSBT Long Road Cambridge CB2 0PT

https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/