Job Description

Job Summary

The Pathology Service Development team designs, evaluates and develops assays and processes to improve NHSBT's pathology services. The role involves troubleshooting, developing and implementing pathology tests, managing laboratory operations and budgets, and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The postholder will foster collaboration across NHSBT Pathology functions, provide supervision and training to staff, and promote a culture of scientific innovation that drives continuous improvement in patient care.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will be Head of Pathology Service Development, responsible for leading and managing specialist scientific and technical research, development and service improvement projects. Responsibilities include:



Managing the budget and staff within the Pathology Service Development Team. Day-to-day management of the Pathology Service Development team including objective setting and performance management. Regularly analysing and interpreting complex scientific and biological data sets and generating reports accessible to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Communicating research, development and service improvement results and outcomes orally and in writing to internal groups and external colleagues. Providing specialist education and training to staff, colleagues and trainees. Developing experimental and analytical protocols to answer scientific and clinical questions. Conducting and supervise others to conduct experiments using a wide range of technical and scientific methods including biochemical, cellular, molecular and immunological techniques.
You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice

You will be required to participate in the shift rota and on call rotas and to provide cover during operational emergencies

About You

Experience and Knowledge

Experience in ensuring compliance with research governance frameworks and ethical standards in clinical research, including informed consent processes, regulatory approvals, data protection and Good Clinical Practice Knowledge and experience of diagnostic and medical laboratory operations, including quality management systems, regulatory standards, audit, accreditation processes, and health and safety guidelines Extensive experience in clinical and translational research laboratory environments, including sample handling, assay development and collaboration with multidisciplinary scientific and clinical teams Proven experience in leading research, development and service improvement projects, including validation, implementation and successful deployment of solutions Experience of analysis, interpretation and data visualisation of complex biological data, including using statistical tools and specialist software to generate results Experience of leading, managing and developing teams including setting expectations, timelines and performance review Significant post graduate experience in transfusion, transplantation or related scientific field In depth understanding of NHSBT and wider healthcare community Experienced at organising and delivering education and training Knowledge and understanding of budget management

Qualifications and Training

HCPC registered Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist

OR

actively working towards registration. Postgraduate qualification in leadership and management or equivalent experience A PhD or Professional Doctorate in a relevant scientific discipline Demonstrates commitment to own Continued Professional Development (CPD)

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you'll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.



Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.


By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.



You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer:

Training and development opportunities associated with the role. NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow. 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. NHS 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: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions 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.
To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking 'Apply' if you are viewing this advert on another site.



This vacancy will close at

23:59 on Sunday 26

th

October

Interviews are anticipated to be held during the

week commencing 3

rd

November 2025

subject to confirmation


For informal enquiries please contact


Name: Dr Kate Downes


Job Title: Genomics Programme Director


Contact Details: kate.downes@nhsbt.nhs.uk