Cell and Molecular Therapy Specialist

NHS Blood and Transplant; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the UK is seeking skilled individuals to develop and manufacture innovative cell and gene therapies. Candidates should possess a strong background in science, particularly in transfusion or transplantation, as well as the ability to operate under stringent guidelines. The role offers extensive training and a supportive environment for career advancement in critical healthcare applications. Flexible working options are available, along with generous leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

NHS pension scheme

Continuous learning culture

Qualifications

• Experience working as a laboratory scientist in transfusion or transplantation science.
• Understanding of UKAS, GMP, UKBTS, and BCSH guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manufacture life-saving innovative cell and gene therapies.
• Perform laboratory tests related to cell therapy products.

Skills

Broad science knowledge

Specialised laboratory techniques

Experience in IT

Report writing

Education

Science graduate with relevant postgraduate training

Job description

Innovative cellular and molecular therapies are starting the transform the way we treat cancer and other life‑threatening conditions. Through our network of state‑of‑the‑art facilities, we are at the forefront of developing and manufacturing these new therapies for early phase clinical trials. The delivery of these new therapies into the NHS builds on our extensive expertise supporting more established stem cell transplantation therapies for malignant and inherited haematological disorders.

Working with scientific and medical professionals, you will develop and manufacture life‑saving cell and gene therapies. To start with, we will provide you with an extensive induction and training programme. This will provide you with the skills and knowledge you will need to develop and produce cell therapies for established applications as well as first‑in‑man studies. The scale of our operations means that we will offer outstanding scientists with true leadership potential the opportunity for on‑going career advancement in this exciting and fast developing area of clinical care.

Main duties of the job

Working with senior scientific and medical professionals, you will develop and manufacture life‑saving innovative and established cell and gene therapies. Following a period of training to equip you with specialist skills and knowledge, you will:

• Support the development and manufacture of innovative and established cell and gene therapies.
• Perform, analyse, record and interpret a wide range of laboratory tests and procedures relating to the release of cell therapy products for clinical application.
• Operate in a highly regulated environment of specialist laboratories, clean rooms and cryogenic facilities.
• Support and train less experienced staff.
• Occasionally work late and at weekends (with notice).

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion / transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a laboratory scientist.
• Experience in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment.
• Experience in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met.
• Understanding of UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UK Blood Transfusion Service (UKBTS) and British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines.
• Experience of working with Information Technology.
• Experience of writing reports, preparing and delivering presentations and training and mentoring staff.

Qualifications And Training

• Science graduate with relevant post graduate training e.g. British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuous learning and professional development.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development.

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.

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 Monday 26th January 2026.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on Wednesday 11th February 2026 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact Tina McLeod, Lead Translational Therapy Scientist, via email at [e-mail].