Job Summary
The stem cell transplant laboratory is an integral part of the Trust's busy Haematology/Oncology stem cell transplant programme. The laboratory, which is HTA licensed and JACIE accredited, provides highly specialist clinical, technical and scientific services to support the transplant programme. Within the laboratory, we receive, process, cryopreserve and issue autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic use in both adult and paediatric patients. We liaise closely with clinical, nursing and transplant co-ordinator colleagues to ensure an integrated transplant service for end users. We have established a reputation for high quality service provision which we strive to maintain and improve by commitment to excellence and innovation.

There is now an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified HCPC registered clinical or biomedical scientist to join the team. Although experience in stem cell transplantation is desirable, candidates with relevant transferrable skills from other laboratory disciplines are encouraged to apply as full training will be given.

For further details or visits please contact either Jesmina James, Head of Stem Cell Transplant Laboratory, or Lubinda Mbundi, Deputy Head/Processing Manager on 020 8661 3895

Main duties of the job
The post holder will participate in all aspects of the work of this specialist laboratory which provides a comprehensive service to the Haemato/Oncology transplant programme within the Trust. The cellular therapy laboratory team receives haematopoietic progenitor cells collected by apheresis, bone marrow and cord blood and processes and/or stores these for therapeutic use. Additionally, the laboratory calculates, processes and stores donor lymphocyte doses and is involved in clinical trials and treatments employing cellular therapies such as CAR-Ts. As a member of the laboratory team the post holder will assist with cleaning and regular environmental testing of the clean room to ensure a suitable environment for the processing of stem cells and will also be involved in maintenance of the cryogenic facility. Traceability of cells from donor to recipient is of utmost importance so the post holder will be required to work with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.

The post holder will liaise with stem cell transplant programme clinical and ward staff, and work closely with colleagues in Immunophenotyping who perform stem cell enumeration and Microbiology who read environmental testing plates and cultures.

The transplant programme is accredited by JACIE and holds a Human Tissue Authority licence for human application. The post holder will be expected to participate fully in meeting regulatory requirements and contribute to quality improvement within the department.

About Us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Details
Date posted: 14 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £45,953 to £54,254 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 282-SA1670
Job locations: The Royal Marsden Sutton, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To collect harvested cells from the apheresis department or from theatres.
• To receive frozen products from cord banks or other transplant centres
• To receive fresh cells collected from donor centres around the world.
• Process haematopoietic progenitor cells for cryopreservation under aseptic conditions in a cleanroom.
• The successful candidate will assist with the day-to-day management responsibilities within the department. The role involves working independently and as part of a team across the scope of laboratory and clinical advisory activities undertaken by the department. The post holder will be an active participant in the departmental quality management and audit programmes and will help facilitate compliance with HTA and JACIE requirements.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• First degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent
• HCPC Registration

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of relevant laboratory Health and Safety procedures
• Exceptional organisational ability
• Able to work with meticulous attention to detail
• Knowledge and understanding of the role and requirements of regulatory bodies including HTA and JACIE
• Ability to write clearly, precisely and grammatically
• Ability to perform calculations & analyses
• Understanding of governance procedures

Desirable

• Theoretical knowledge of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working in a routine diagnostic or stem cell laboratory
• Evidence of transferrable skills relevant to the post
• Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable

• Experience of working in a clean room

Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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

Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact:
Head Stem Cell Laboratory, Jesmina James
Email: jesmina.james@rmh.nhs.uk