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Job overview
This 12-month fixed-term position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and dedicated HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist to join our team of Transfusion Scientists and Associate Practitioners at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications: • IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice • IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Blood Transfusion Practice • BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice
Our department delivers one of the UK’s largest hospital blood transfusion services, providing essential support to CUH’s Transplantation Centre, the regional Trauma Centre, and the Rosie Maternity and Neonatal units. We routinely manage major blood loss cases and process approximately 70,000 blood groups and associated antibody investigations each year, issuing around 50,000 blood products. We also provide a specialist in-house RCI service to the Trust.
In this role, you will undertake a variety of duties critical to the diagnostic service, including pre-transfusion compatibility testing, issuing blood and blood components, completing daily equipment maintenance and IQC, maintaining the cold chain, and carrying out general laboratory housekeeping tasks.
Main duties of the job
To practice as a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist in Blood Transfusion.
To analyse, interpret and report complex serological investigations in order to select and issue compatible blood and blood products for transfusion into patients according to departmental SOPs.
To provide specialist advice to range of service users.
To maintain competence through CPD
To participate in training and supervision of less experienced staff.
To work flexibly in reflection of service needs. This will include participation in the out of hours shift rota as required.
To maintain and promote a professional image of Pathology.
The department runs a comprehensive 24/7 service; it is expected that you will participate in early, late, night and weekend shifts.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment or fixed term contract. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 26th July 2026
Interviews are due to be held on August 4th 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent analytical and interpretive abilities.
- Effective interpersonal skills; able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Able to prioritise workload to meet service demands.
- Focused and attentive for prolonged periods.
- High manual dexterity for complex laboratory techniques.
- Willingness to undertake cross-training to expand skills.
Desirable
- Proven ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
- Demonstrable mentoring skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience of specialist biomedical procedures relevant to the role.
- Demonstrable understanding of the clinical rationale for, and technical execution of, transfusion tests, equivalent to that covered by the IBMS Specialist Portfolio or BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science.
Experience
Essential
- Extensive practical experience working in a Blood Transfusion laboratory.
- Proficient in using Pathology IT systems.
- Experienced in using Quality Management Systems.
- Experienced in the training, supervision, and mentoring of staff.
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
- Hold an appropriate Post Registration qualification in Blood Transfusion Science which may include: BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice, IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice and/or IBMS Specialist Diploma in Transfusion Science
- Evidence of CPD
Additional Requirements
Essential
- High accuracy and attention to detail.
- Integrity, credibility, and professionalism.
- Self-motivated and able to inspire and support others.
- Flexible and responsive to the needs of the service.
- Capable of working independently and under pressure, meeting deadlines amid competing demands.
- Self-aware with an understanding of impact on others.
- Consistently demonstrates Trust values of safe, kind, and excellent in interactions with patients, visitors, and colleagues.
Desirable
- Strong and credible leadership abilities.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Blood Transfusion with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Cambridge, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 p.a. pro rata. The contract type is 12 months (Secondment/Fixed Term 12 months.). The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
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