Biomedical Scientist

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

To prepare for harvests expected to arrive in the laboratory

To collect harvested cells from the apheresis department or from theatres.

To receive frozen products from cord banks or other transplant centres

To receive fresh cells collected from donor centres around the world.

Key responsibilities will include:
• Receipt, testing, processing, cryopreservation, storage and issue of cellular therapy products
• Working within clean room and controlled laboratory environments
• Supporting the handling, storage and issue of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
• Maintaining compliance with HTA, JACIE and internal quality management requirements
• Participating in cleaning, environmental monitoring, documentation, audits, equipment monitoring and quality improvement activities
• Working closely with other healthcare scientist, clinical teams, nurses, pharmacists, transplant coordinators, pathology colleagues and the Immunophenotyping Laboratory

We welcome applications from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists. Previous experience in stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, transfusion, haematology, immunology, histocompatibility, clean room work, GMP environments or other relevant diagnostic laboratory settings would be advantageous but is not essential. Full training will be provided to candidates with the right scientific background, attention to detail and commitment to patient-focused care.

The role requires excellent communication skills, strong organisational ability, a commitment to quality and safety, and the ability to work accurately within highly regulated procedures. The post also involves manual handling and cleaning duties, periods of standing, working in clean room clothing, and activity within cryogenic storage areas, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work and develop specialist skills in a growing and innovative area of laboratory medicine, while contributing directly to life-changing treatments for patients.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• First degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent
• HCPC Registration

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Understanding of relevant laboratory Health and Safety procedures

Experience

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable experience of working in a routine diagnostic or stem cell laboratory
• Evidence of transferrable skills relevant to the post
• Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in a clean room

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Exceptional organisational ability
• Able to work with meticulous attention to detail
• Knowledge and understanding of the role and requirements of regulatory bodies including HTA and JACIE

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Competent command of the English language
• Manual dexterity

Desirable criteria

• Theoretical knowledge of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies

Other Essential Requirements

Essential criteria

• Understanding of governance procedures
• Ability to represent appropriate departmental/Trust image

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

Flu Vaccination - What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

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