NHS Blood and Transplant
Biomedical Laboratory Assistant (known as HHTO)
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Job Summary
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) laboratories provide a range of diagnostic and reference services to meet the needs of patients and those who treat them.
The H&I department in Birmingham provides testing and support services for stem cell and solid organ transplantation and undertakes immunogenetic diagnostic testing.
Working at the Birmingham laboratory, you will provide vital support to scientific staff in a role which includes sample reception, reagent preparation and assisting with laboratory testing. You may also be relied on to update donor and patient information and to generate computerised reports or worksheets should the need arise. There will be an element of administration to include filing, post and archiving.
You will be required to work 24.5 hours per week Monday/Thursday/Friday (this is subject to change) and be expected to work flexibly between 08.00–17.00. Please note this role has no weekend/bank holiday/shift working.
Main duties of the job
- Working in the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) Laboratory, you will be required to participate in a range of routine clinical, technical and scientific activities in preparing and testing blood samples from transplant patients and their donors, with the support of your supervisor and other team members
- You may be required to support and train less experienced staff in some instances
- You will be required to undertake precise repetitive manipulation of equipment and blood samples and carry out routine tasks on a regular basis
- You will be required to handle blood samples and a range of equipment
- The role will require you to work and provide support during the routine opening hours of the laboratory
- 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
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About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of using computers and basic IT programs
- Experience of working as part of a team
Qualifications And Training
- A level or NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualifications
- OR Extensive experience working in a logistics/supply chain environment
- OR Equivalent extensive experience of routine NHSBT procedures and understanding of non-routine procedures
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
- Predictable working hours with no weekend working
- Extensive training and induction programme
- 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: 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.
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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.
Next steps
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Monday 27th July 2026, however this vacancy may close sooner than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.
The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Face to face interviews are anticipated to be held on Thursday 6th August 2026 – subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact Rebecca McGuire, Clinical Scientist, via email at rebecca.mcguire@nhsbt.nhs.uk
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