Band 7 Advanced Biomedical Scientist Stem Cell Bank

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: Stem Cell Bank, Tower Block, BCH
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 22/06/26
• Closes: Tue, 07 July 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

We accept online applications only. A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Advanced Biomedical Scientist, Stem Cell Bank,

Tower Block, BCH

GRADE: Band 7

REPORTS TO: Operational Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Haematology Laboratory Discipline Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be part of a highly specialised team within the stem cell bank laboratory. The team are responsible for stem cell processing, storage and transplant services for the Clinical Haematology Unit under license by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). They will be expected to support and maintain JACIE accreditation standards for the provision of quality medical and laboratory practice in Haematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) transplantation.

KEY RESULTS AREAS Service Delivery

To be responsible for processing human progenitor cells, (by apheresis collection or bone marrow harvest) and donor lymphocyte collections.

To be responsible for red cell reduction of bone marrow harvests using apheresis technology.

To ensure correct storage and full traceability of all Stem Cell Bank collections in accordance with the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and JACIE requirements.

To maintain accurate up to date Stem Cell bank patient files and records.

To be responsible for writing and the regular review of standard operating procedures (SOP’s) in line with HTA and JACIE requirements.

Participate in equipment validation projects including IT.

Participate and assist with the HTA and JACIE audit schedule.

To ensure that all routine maintenance procedures relevant to the equipment in the Stem Cell Bank are followed.

Ensure that all equipment maintenance records are kept up to date and any equipment failures are managed appropriately in a timely fashion.

Assist the Stem Cell Bank Operational manager in the production of key performance indicators and environmental monitoring information.

Be responsible for updating and maintaining accurate patient information held in Stem Cell Bank IT folders.

To maintain good and effective communication skills

To participate in Continuing Professional Development and continually update knowledge in current and emerging technologies.

Attend all relevant meetings

To carry out any other duties not specified above but which might be reasonably expected of a Band 7 Biomedical Scientist

Post holder may be asked to work an extended working day, weekend and Bank/Public holidays work as part of the conditioned 37.5 hours/ week.

Demonstrate a flexible approach to work consistent with effective management.

Quality

Ensure all procedures are carried out according to laboratory quality standards and procedures consistent with Human Tissue Authority requirements.

Understand and work to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice

(GMP)

Ensure high standards and effective systems for governance within the Stem Cell Bank service are met.

Lead, participate and support quality improvement initiatives within the Stem Cell Bank service.

Relationships

Liaise directly with the Operational Manager with respect to the various responsibilities outlined in this job description.

Assist the Clinical team with all Stem Cell Bank transplantation processes.

Liaise with all staff in Stem Cell Bank and other departments in the promotion of an integrated and efficient stem cell bank laboratory service

Liaise with Officers of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and external users as appropriate.

Financial and Resource Management

Support the Operational Manager in reviewing and improving the quality system to ensure that services can be delivered both efficiently and effectively.

Work with the Operational Manager in providing information on cost/benefit analyses.

People Management and Development

Participate in the recruitment and selection of Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory support staff in line with Trust policies.

Participate in annual performance review and appraisal with the Stem Cell Bank Operational manager.

Ensure that staff are appropriately trained and competency assessed in line with HTA and JACIE requirements.

Lead by example in practicing the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the code of conduct for HPSS managers.

Development and innovation

To assist in research projects, where necessary, and to be involved in the development of new procedures and techniques.

Be responsible for the identification, development and implementation of improvement initiatives to ensure that the Stem Cell Bank continues to develop.

Continuously challenge and hold others to account on quality, governance and safety related issues.

Collaborative Working

Work closely with the Operational Manager on all aspects of quality and governance management.

Establish collaborative working relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Liaise with relevant organisations or bodies to ensure that a culture of learning continues to develop in relation to all aspects of Stem Cell Bank.

Communication and Information Management

 Ensure that appropriate information is available to support the Stem Cell Bank service.

 Ensure appropriate Stem Cell Bank reports are produced to support management.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and

Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Records Management

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including

E-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998. Employees are required to be conversant with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policy and procedure on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that

“ Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment

for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);

Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;

Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;

Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);

Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;

Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;

Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Advanced Biomedical Scientist Band 7, Stem Cell Lab, BCH

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Laboratories, Cancer and Specialist Services

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.

You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications

Registration

Current registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Have completed the Specialist IBMS Portfolio in Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice

or

have successfully completed its predecessor, the CPSM/HPC logbook and oral examination

or

have completed IBMS Specialist Diploma in Transfusion Science

or

BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice

3 years post registration experience in Blood Transfusion at Band 6 level or higher.

Experience in Stem Cell biology

Must hold an MSc Biomedical Science; or an IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma; or be a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science or equivalent.

Shortlisting by Application Form

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications

Registration

Experience working in a clean room

Managerial experience.

A wide knowledge of regulatory and licensing standards.

Good interpersonal and team-working skills

Awareness of health & safety, data protection and quality requirements

Basic computer skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills

At Interview

NOTE

Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available, an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful, you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

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