Principal Component Development Scientist

Job summary

NHSBTs Component Development Laboratory is an internationally recognised laboratory based at Cambridge, alongside Addenbrookes Hospital on the world-renowned Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The component development laboratory performs a wide range of research and development projects to improve the quality and safety of blood components for transfusion.

You will benefit from the opportunity of working in an internationally recognised laboratory performing a wide range of research and development projects to improve the quality and safety of blood components for transfusion.

You will have the opportunity to conduct research and development and manage a team of scientists engaged in controlled investigations of blood component quality. You will have the opportunity to initiate, plan and direct such investigations, to supervise the analysis and interpretation of results, and to ensure their accurate and timely dissemination in journals and reports.

In this way, you will contribute to developing and providing a high-quality service, in line with our core purpose of saving and improving patients lives.

Main duties of the job

In this role, you will be collating, analysing, and interpreting highly complex scientific data from own components development work, that of other scientists in CDL, and from manufacturers or other external sources. Your responsibilities include:

1. Preparing and disseminating scientific papers containing highly complex information for external publication.

2. Presenting findings of own components development work to others including oral presentations to both internal and external stakeholders.

3. Preparing, selecting, and using appropriate controls to ensure validity of components development results.

4. Being responsible for research projects within the department, working with and to the Laboratory Manager.

5. Devising, implementing, and maintaining appropriate quality schemes for each research project and all CDL work. B

6. Being responsible for research projects within the department, working with and to the Laboratory Manager.

7. Line managing and training researchers, trainees, and other staff within your designated area.

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll 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.

Details

• Date posted: 02 September 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8a
• Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 009301
• Job locations: NHSBT - Cambridge Centre, Long Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB2 0PT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

What we offer:

• Hybrid working arrangements because NHSBT works nationally, were able to offer hybrid working options that give you more flexibility to balance work with life.
• Flexible working options we promote flexible working where the role allows. Were 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 - weve 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. Its 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.