Senior Healthcare Technical Officer (SHTO)

• Flexible working options - we promote flexible working where the role allows. We're 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 - we've 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. It's 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.

Please note, following changes to UK Immigration Policy from 31st December 2026, this role will no longer be eligible for Visa Sponsorship. We are therefore unable to consider candidates requiring sponsorship as it will not be possible to complete the process before this date. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work.

NHS Blood and Transplant is an integral part of the NHS. Operating a network of centres across England, we collect around 2 million units of blood and tissues a year, converting them into safe and effective blood components, blood and tissue products for use in the treatments of patients.

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Healthcare Technical Officer within the Stem Cell and Immunotherapies and Advanced Therapeutics Unit at Birmingham.

Our SCI department selects, processes and issues peripheral stem cells and bone marrow for patients undergoing haemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Within the ATU we undertake a variety of work to support the transition of novel cellular therapies into the clinic. Our partnership with transplant programmes and academic and commercial groups provides the opportunity to learn about the interaction between the NHSBT therapeutic services and the applied research and development environment.

We're looking for a highly motivated scientist with an interest in the field of cellular therapeutics and regenerative medicine to join our group. An understanding of the importance of the nature of the work carried out within our labs, plus the ability to work as a key member of a small team is essential. Working within HTA and MHRA licensed laboratories requires diligence, discipline and attention to detail. Candidates who can highlight such attributes are encouraged to apply. The role will include maintaining records, Clean Room upkeep, taking stock of reagents and consumables, organising the daily tasks to support the GMP laboratories and coordinating with the group to maintain a safe and effective patient focused service.

You will have at least a BTEC/HNC in a Science or other relevant subject, or the NHSBT foundation degree or equivalent. You'll also ideally have a working knowledge of basic IT packages and some experience of working unsupervised in a laboratory environment. Experience within a GMP environment working under MHRA regulations is desirable, but not essential. A good team player, you'll be capable of motivating both yourself and others as you tackle a wide variety of tasks.

The normal working hours for this position are 22.5 hours per week (with a degree of flexibility to suit the needs of the service). Working pattern to be discussed with the successful candidate.

You will be required to perform a range of scientific and technical activities related to the collection and cryopreservation of Stem Cells

You will be required to clean the regulated laboratories to a high specification, wearing cover-all garments

You will be required to maintain stocks and reagents in-line with MHRA regulations

The role will require you to work standard hours and days, with some evenings, weekends and bank holidays depending on the project schedule, but with appropriate notice

You will be required to manually handle equipment on a daily basis weighing up to 13 kgs, with or without mechanical aids, with appropriate training

You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff