Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Job overview

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, well known for pioneering cancer diagnostics and treatment through innovation, research, and education. Our dedicated scientific and clinical teams play a vital role in delivering high quality services that contribute directly to patient care and to the Trust’s research strategy.

We are pleased to invite applications for a motivated and committed Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) to join our Haematology and Blood Transfusion service based at our Chelsea site. This post offers an excellent opportunity to consolidate specialist knowledge, develop autonomy, and contribute to service improvement within a highly specialised oncology laboratory environment.

As a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist, you will be responsible for providing a safe, efficient and high‑quality analytical service across Haematology and Blood Transfusion. You will rotate through all sections of the department and will frequently work independently, including taking sole responsibility for laboratory duties when senior staff are not present. The role includes hands‑on analytical work, technical validation of results, blood film morphology, equipment maintenance, quality control, and support of trainee staff.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for carrying out analytical work across the Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratories. The post holder will rotate through all sections of the department. The key working relationships will be with staff in Haematology, but the post holder will be expected to liaise with staff throughout pathology and the Trust. There will be frequent occasions when the postholder takes sole responsibility for work, for example when no senior is present

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification

• Working closely with the Haematology and BT seniors, coordinating rotations and training depending individual development, service requirements and user needs.
• Sample reception: receipt and checking of samples, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts or errors, assigning High Risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking / damaged samples, centrifugation of specimens when necessary
• FBC Analyser preparation: daily startup of analyser, check background counts within limits, run and verify controls, liaise with senior BMS, technical lead or supplier for remedial action if necessary. Monitor analyser continuously throughout the day, running control samples as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialist testing across Haematology, Coagulation and Blood Transfusion.
• Prepare, operate and monitor analysers, ensuring IQC is within acceptable limits.
• Validate and authorise results, comparing with historical data and clinical context.
• Examine and interpret blood films, identifying abnormal cellular morphology and escalating complex findings appropriately.
• Perform manual procedures including D dimers, sickle testing, and GP6D assays.

Blood Transfusion

• Carry out ABO/RhD grouping, antibody screening and identification, DATs and Rh/K phenotyping using automated and manual techniques.
• Select, prepare and issue blood components in line with national and local policies.
• Manage urgent and complex transfusion requests, including for post stem cell transplant patients, and prioritising workload appropriately.
• Support stock control and minimisation of blood product wastage.
• Perform administrative tasks such as resulting referral tests, updating transplant records, and sending shared care forms. Quality & Governance
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, UKAS ISO 15189 standards, BSH, BSQR and Trust policies.
• Perform daily equipment maintenance and troubleshooting whilst also ensuring that documentation is completed accurately.
• Perform stock checks and reagent management.
• Perform EQAs as required.
• Review SOPs and escalate discrepancies or proposed updates to senior staff.
• Participate in audits, incident reporting and corrective action processes. Training & Service Development
• Support the training and supervision of trainee and junior staff.
• Participate in ongoing CPD, appraisal and competency assessments.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and validation of new equipment or methodologies.

Laboratory Environment & Equipment Our laboratories operate routine services from 08:00 to midnight, Monday to Friday, and are equipped with:

• Sysmex XN3100
• Sysmex SP50
• Sysmex CS2500
• Epic Beaker DHR
• BioRad IH 500 (Blood Transfusion)
• Haemonetics Safetrace LIMS
• Haemonetics BloodTrack

The department maintains full UKAS Accreditation.

About You We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate: Essential •    HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist •    Degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Biomedical Science •    Experience working across Haematology and Blood Transfusion •    Sound understanding of IQC, EQA, quality systems and laboratory health & safety •    Ability to work independently, manage workload and make technical decisions •    Strong communication, organisational and team working skills Desirable •    Evidence of post registration or specialist study •    Experience supporting training of junior staff •    Experience working in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory

What We Offer •    A supportive, specialist oncology environment •    Strong commitment to CPD, training and career development •    Exposure to complex and varied diagnostic work •    Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and improvement ________________________________________ Contact & Further Information Informal visits are encouraged. Please contact: Paul Wadham – 0207 808 2606         [email protected]