Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist / ScientistNHS

Job summary

Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist (band 5) is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point at the top of Band 5.

Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist (band 6) is eligible for sponsorship.

As a Cell and Molecular Therapy Scientist/Specialist with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), you'll play a vital role in delivering innovative cell and molecular therapies that help save and improve lives. Working within a specialist GMP-regulated laboratory, you'll support the production, testing and release of advanced therapy products used in clinical trials and patient treatments. Depending on your experience, you may join at Band 5 and develop your expertise through structured learning and hands-on experience, or at Band 6 where you'll take on greater responsibility for complex investigations, mentoring colleagues and supporting service improvement. Whatever your level, you'll contribute to high-quality scientific services, work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experts across the organisation while building a rewarding career in a field that continues to transform healthcare.

Main duties of the job

Produce and support the manufacture of cell and molecular therapy products that contribute directly to patient care and clinical innovation.

Perform a range of laboratory investigations and scientific procedures using molecular, cell culture and other specialist techniques.

Analyse and interpret laboratory results, ensuring products and data meet agreed quality and safety standards before release.

Maintain accurate records, documentation and audit trails in line with GMP, GLP and regulatory requirements.

Monitor equipment, workflows and processes, identifying issues and helping to maintain an efficient and reliable service.

Contribute to service development, quality improvements and the introduction of new technologies, products and processes.

Validate equipment, materials, reagents and software to support safe and effective laboratory operations.

Collaborate with colleagues across NHSBT to resolve scientific and operational challenges and deliver the best outcomes for patients.

Develop your expertise through continuing professional development, specialist training and participation in improvement initiatives.

Supervise the work and conduct of trainees and laboratory support staff, with Band 6 appointees taking a more active role in supervision, training and coordination of work activities.

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates who may not yet meet all Band 6 criteria but have the skills, potential, and ambition to develop within this specialist field. Where appropriate, appointments may be made at Band 5 with a structured development pathway to support progression to Band 6 on achievement of the required competencies.

This role is full-time; 37.5 hours per week worked over Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 16:30pm daily. 24/7 on call is mandatory and evening and weekend work will be by arrangement, so a degree of flexibility is required for this role.

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.

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.