About this role
Job summary
As a Clinical Scientist in our Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) team, you will play a key role in delivering safe, high quality diagnostic and clinical services that support kidney, pancreas, cardiothoracic and stem cell transplantation and transfusion outcomes across the NHS. You will apply your specialist scientific knowledge to perform, analyse and interpret complex laboratory investigations, provide clear clinical advice, and contribute to research, development and service improvement. You will also support trainee scientists through mentoring and training. This is a role where your expertise directly influences patient safety and care, helping save and improve lives every day.
You will either be a qualified Clinical Scientist (Band 7) or someone who is expected to obtain HCPC registration within six months of commencing the role. If you are not yet HCPC registered, you will be appointed as a Clinical Scientist Graduate Trainee (Band 6). Upon achieving HCPC registration, your role will be upgraded to Band 7.
Main duties of the job
In this role as a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist within H&I, you will be required to analyse, interpret, validate and report the results of specialist Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics investigations.
Your duties will include:
Performing, analysing and authorising both molecular and serological based testingCommunicating specialist results to internal and external clinicians, other healthcare colleagues and scientific staff.Assisting with quality management duties within the laboratory, under the direction of the Clinical Scientist Section Heads and Laboratory Operations ManagerContributing to the coordination and supervision of the work, training and conduct of scientific and support staff.You will be required to train and work on a rotational basis in all areas of the department.
With appropriate training and experience you will be required to participate in a 24/7 on-call rota and exceptionally to provide cover in times of operational difficulty.
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.
Job description Job responsibilities
Join our Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) team as a Clinical Scientist and play a vital role in supporting life-saving transplant and transfusion services across the NHS. Using your specialist scientific expertise, you will perform and interpret complex laboratory investigations, provide clinical advice, contribute to service development, and help maintain the highest standards of quality and patient care. Working within a collaborative multidisciplinary team, you will also support the development of trainee scientists through mentoring and training. This is an excellent opportunity for either an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist (Band 7) or a graduate trainee working towards HCPC registration, with a clear progression pathway to Band 7 upon registration.
What we offer: Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you. Generous annual leave - 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. Inclusive 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: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions Supportive learning culture - 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. Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible. As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.
You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website:
Read about our application process Learn more about our culture at NHSBT To learn more, please see the job description and person specification. These can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
In depth knowledge and expertise in clinical solid organ and/or stem cell transplantation science. Proficiency in relevant specialised laboratory techniques / environments. Experience of working to quality and accreditation systems and standards. Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), or equivalent Systems.
Qualifications Essential
MSc or equivalent in transplantation, immunology, transfusion or relevant science or post graduate qualification e.g. British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) Diploma, specialist portfolio, FIBMS OR equivalent relevant experience. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical Scientist (which must be maintained) OR BSc in Biological/Medical sciences or relevant sciences. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
Employer details Employer name NHS Blood and Transplant
Address NHSBT
Holland Drive
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 4NQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)