Job Description

Tissue Bank Practitioner

This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work.

Job Summary

You will be an integral part of the Eye Bank Team, processing ocular tissue and serum eyedrops into clinical standard products following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), for use in ocular transplants and dry eye treatments.


Working in a fast moving and variable environment your essential role will directly contribute to saving and improving lives.


You will undertake an extensive induction and training programme, with ongoing assessment, and receive ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will be responsible for supporting and assisting in the work of the Eye Bank, independently performing a wide range of tasks and processes. Your responsibilities will include:

Ensuring the efficient functioning of all aspects of tissue receipt, processing and dispatch to the required quality standards using laboratory equipment Assisting in developing the service in anticipation of future clinical needs. Updating production record written and/or electronic to take receipt of, and account for incoming tissue and materials. You will be required to provide specialised training for Tissue Bank Assistant staff in a defined area and supervise their work You will be required to process a wide range of tissue products, including corneas, sclera, along with the assessement and tissue manipulation of corneas such as DSAEK Pre-cutting and DMEK Peeling. You will be required to perform independent quality control check on batch records You will be able to lift and carry items up to a weight of 15kgs, with and without the use of mechanical aids You will be required to participate in a 24 hour on-call rota and routine Saturday and Sunday working

Willingness to work irregular hours and ability to undertake travel and spend time away from base, including overnight stays when required (with appropriate prior notice).

About You

Experience and Knowledge

Experience of working in a laboratory An understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice and Health and Safety requirements Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Qualifications and Training

BSc in a biological discipline, or equivalent qualification

Or

Equivalent level of knowledge gained through formal training and work experience in tissue or blood banking. Demonstrate commitment to own Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

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:

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.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 13th October 2025. NHSBT reserves the right to close the job early if a high volume of applications is received.


Interviews are anticipated to be held w/c 27th October 2025 subject to confirmation.


For informal enquiries please contact David Usherwood, Eye Bank Manager on david.usherwood@nhsbt.nhs.uk