Job summary
The IBGRL Red Cell Reference department provides an internationally renowned immunohaematology reference service for NHS Blood and Transplant and the international transfusion community. We deal exclusively in complex and interesting red cell immunohaematology problems, often involving rare blood groups. RCR is distinguished by the scientific expertise of its small team of staff and an unparallelled collection of rare cells and sera. In collaboration with colleagues around the world the RCR laboratory continues to make important discoveries in the field of human blood groups. We also compile and maintain the International Rare Donor Panel.

An HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with considerable post registration experience, you will have a specialist qualification in Transfusion/Transplantation Science. A Biomedical Scientist wishing to develop specialist transfusion skills will be considered for the post, paid as a BMS on a Band 5 whilst achieving the necessary experience and qualifications.

We have two posts to recruit to. One post will be carrying out genetic testing within the laboratory, which is essential to resolve complex immunohaematology investigations for patients and donors. The other post will be carrying out serological testing for complex immunohaematology investigations.

In return you will benefit from an excellent pension, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, using modern equipment and practices.

Main duties of the job

• You will be required to perform, analyse, record and interpret a wide range of laboratory investigations and technical procedures relating to the issue of patient test results for organ transplant and blood transfusion and the issue of blood and tissue products, with the support of the team
• You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff
• You will be required to handle blood and tissue samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment
• The role may 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 notice, depending on specialty

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 will 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 will 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: 03 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 009548
Job locations: NHSBT - Filton, 500 North Bristol Park, Bristol, BS34 7QH, United Kingdom

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 are 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 can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
• Supportive learning culture - we have fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. Our Thrive programme offers a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth, open to everyone at NHSBT.
• Health and wellbeing support - we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources, with 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.

Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential)

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist
• Science graduate with relevant post graduate training eg British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate or equivalent (Band 6)
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development
• Willingness to undertake further training and development

Experience (Essential)

• Experience of the use of a range of laboratory analysers and equipment (Band 5)
• Competent in a range of manual scientific techniques (Band 5)
• Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion / transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a Biomedical Scientist (Band 6)
• Experienced in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment (Band 6)
• Experienced in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met (Band 6)
• Evidence of working to the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Clinical Pathology Accreditation and other relevant or statutory guidelines (Band 6)
• Experience of writing reports and delivering presentations to large groups (Band 6)
• Evidence of training and mentoring staff (Band 6)

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: NHS Blood and Transplant
Employer's website: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/
For questions about the job, contact: Red Cell Reference Manager (IBGRL), Benjamin Jones, ben.jones@nhsbt.nhs.uk

NHS Blood and Transplant's privacy notice is available on request.