Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Blood Transfusion

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.

Working for our organisation

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.

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

Qualifications

Essential criteria

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 or equivalent

Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential criteria

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.

Knowledge

Essential criteria

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.

Skills

Essential criteria

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 criteria

Proven ability to influence and negotiate effectively.

Demonstrable mentoring skills

Additional Requirements

Essential criteria

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 criteria

Strong and credible leadership abilities.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

Further details / informal visits contact

Name

Katherine Philpott

Job title

Transfusion Laboratory Manager

Email address

View email address on careers.cuh.nhs.uk

Telephone number

View phone number on careers.cuh.nhs.uk