Job overview

Job Title: Biomedical Scientist – Stem Cell / Cellular Therapy Laboratory
Band 5 | HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join our stem cell transplant and Cellular Therapy Laboratory.

This is a highly specialised role within an established Haematology/Oncology stem cell transplant and cellular therapy programme. Working in an HTA-licensed and JACIE-accredited laboratory, you will help deliver a vital clinical service supporting patients receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplants and advanced cellular therapies.

The laboratory receives, tests, processes, stores and issues a wide range of cellular therapy products, including autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic progenitor cells. This includes products processed for cryopreservation, as well as fresh products issued directly for clinical use. The service also supports Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, including CAR-T and TIL therapies, through the production of starting materials, and the storage and issue of final products for patient treatment.

This is not a routine bench-based or research laboratory post. You will work across clean room facilities, cryogenic storage areas, and clinical environments, including wards and apheresis areas, to collect and deliver cellular products. This provides a unique opportunity to see the direct impact of laboratory work on patient care and to play an essential role in the treatment pathway.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will participate in all aspects of the work of this specialist laboratory which provides a comprehensive service to the Haemato/Oncology transplant programme within the Trust. The cellular therapy laboratory team receives haematopoietic progenitor cells collected by apheresis, bone marrow and cord blood and processes and/or stores these for therapeutic use. Additionally, the laboratory calculates, processes and stores donor lymphocyte doses and is involved in clinical trials and treatments employing cellular therapies such as CAR-Ts. As a member of the laboratory team, the post holder will assist with cleaning and regular environmental testing of the clean room to ensure a suitable environment for the processing of stem cells and will also be involved in maintenance of the cryogenic facility. Traceability of cells from donor to recipient is of utmost importance so the post holder will be required to work with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.

The post holder will liaise with stem cell transplant programme clinical and ward staff, and work closely with colleagues in Immunophenotyping who perform stem cell enumeration and Microbiology who read environmental testing plates and cultures. 

The transplant programme is accredited by JACIE and holds a Human Tissue Authority licence for human application. The post holder will be expected to participate fully in meeting regulatory requirements and contribute to quality improvement within the department.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.