Deputy Head of Cellular Therapy Laboratory

Job overview

Are you ready to take the next step in your cellular therapy career? The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a world-renowned centre for cancer care and innovation, is seeking a Deputy Head for our Cellular Therapy Laboratory (CTL). This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s most advanced transplant and cellular therapy services and help shape the future of cell-based treatments.

As Deputy Head of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory, you will work closely with the Head of CTL to ensure the safe, effective, and compliant operation of a cutting-edge service that supports adult and paediatric stem cell transplantation. You will act as the laboratory Quality Lead, ensuring adherence to HTA and JACIE standards, and will deputise for the Head of Department, including acting as Person Designate (PD) for the Human Tissue Authority when required. Your responsibilities will span operational management, technical expertise, quality leadership, and mentoring of the Cellular Therapy team.

The Royal Marsden is a global leader in cancer care, treatment innovation, and translational research. As part of our team, you will work in a supportive and forward-thinking environment where your expertise will directly impact patient outcomes and the future of cellular therapies.

Apply Today! Help lead the future of cellular therapy at one of the UK’s most prestigious cancer centres. For full details, refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

To work with the Head of Department to be responsible for the operational management of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory. The post holder will also act as the laboratory quality lead to ensure operational and regulatory compliance. They will work in close partnership with the transplant quality management team to feed into the quality management programme and will ensure delivery of training to CTL staff and other clinical and nursing personnel within the Trust.

The post holder will deputise for the Head of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory including acting as Person Designate (PD) for the Human Tissue Authority.

The post holder will be involved in the core work of the laboratory and is required to play a major role in the development and validation of new techniques.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

• The post holder will act as the Quality lead for the Cellular Therapy Laboratory, ensuring with the Head of Department, that a robust Quality Management programme is in place. Participate in the integration of quality control across the clinical transplant programme to ensure effective service provision and the maintenance of the Trust HTA licence and JACIE accreditation.
• Liaise daily with the Head of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory to ensure that the agreed quality standards of service are maintained as outlined in the CTL Quality Manual and in accordance with clinical requirements.
• Deputise for the Head of Department in their absence, supervising and taking responsibility for the timely and efficient service provision of all aspects of the clinical, scientific and technical work of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory
• Service Planning: Contribute to future service planning, business cases, and integration of research and clinical innovations. About You
• Extensive experience in cellular therapy, stem cell processing, and laboratory quality systems.
• Strong knowledge of GMP standards, HTA requirements, and JACIE accreditation.
• Proven leadership and team development skills in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities with a variety of clinical stakeholders.
• A proactive, organised, and quality-driven approach to service delivery.
• Collaborative Engagement: Work with multidisciplinary teams including transplant coordinators, consultants, and quality managers to deliver high standards of patient care.
• Training and Development: Mentor and supervise staff, ensure up-to-date training records, lead appraisals, and foster an environment of continuous professional development.
• Operational Leadership: Support the Head of CTL in daily operations, staff management, and service continuity.
• Quality Lead: Drive and maintain a robust laboratory Quality Management System, support audits, manage non-conformances, and oversee document control.
• Technical Expertise: Maintain competency in cleanroom procedures, stem cell processing, and GMP-compliant practices including cryopreservation and product release.