About this role
Job summary
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Specialist Services Histocompatibility and Immunogenetic (H&I) provide a range of diagnostic and reference services to meet the needs of patients and those who treat them.
The H&I department in Colindale provides testing and support services for stem cell and solid organ transplantation and also undertakes immunogenetic diagnostic testing.
Working in this laboratory, you will provide vital support to scientific staff in a role that includes sample reception, reagent preparation and assisting with laboratory testing. You may also be relied on to update donor and patient information and to generate computerised reports or worksheets should the need arise.
In addition, the person appointed will support all other activities of the laboratory including, sample reception, the preparation of reagents and DNA isolation.
Main duties of the job
You will be required to perform a range of scientific and technical activities related to blood (and, where appropriate, tissue) samples from patients and donors, with the support of the teamYou will assist with the support and training of new and less experienced staff You will be required to undertake precise repetitive manipulation of equipment and samples and to carry out routine tasks on a regular basisYou will be required to handle samples and to use a range of equipmentThe 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 noticeDaily manual handling of equipment weighing up to 13 kgs will be required, with or without mechanical aids, with appropriate training
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
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.
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 endevour 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
Next steps
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
This vacancy may close sooner than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications, so we recommend applying early.
The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Face to face interviews are anticipated to be held at Colindale Blood Centre on either Thursday 4th/Friday 5th June 2026 – subject to confirmation.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
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 laboratory, manufacturing or other environment requiring intermediate level theoretical knowledge acquired through formal training Evidence of furthering personal development Willingness to undertake further training and development
Experience Essential
Experience of supervising others Experience of working with Information Technology such as Microsoft Office
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 Employer name NHS Blood and Transplant
Address NHSBT - Colindale
Charcot Road
London
NW9 5BG
Employer's website https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)