Biomedical Laboratory Assistant (known as HHTO)

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

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) collect around 2 million units of blood and tissues a year, converting them into safe and effective blood components, blood and tissue products for use in the treatments of patients. Join our cellular and molecular therapies team and you’ll support the development and manufacturing of live-saving cell and gene therapies and processing of stem cell transplants.

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience of working in a laboratory. You’ll be fully trained to perform essential tasks to assist with the development of therapies that transform the way we treat cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

Main duties of the job

Contribute to work that supports the delivery of cellular therapies by carrying out a range of laboratory and cleanroom activities safely and accurately.

Develop specialist technical skills by preparing samples and materials for processing, storage and testing using laboratory equipment and approved procedures.

Help maintain the highest standards of quality by monitoring cleanroom environments wearing full protective coveralls, storage temperatures and equipment performance, escalating issues when required.

Work as part of an expert team to ensure accurate record keeping, data entry and specimen traceability within a regulated healthcare environment.

Support continuous improvement by identifying discrepancies, reporting issues and contributing to service and process enhancements.

Take ownership of your workload, prioritising tasks to meet operational targets while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

Help ensure laboratories remain safe, organised and ready for use by maintaining equipment, monitoring supplies and supporting stock management activities.

Learn and grow within your role by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge and taking part in training, audits and development activities.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

Experience of working as part of a team and building positive working relationships.

Experience of using computers and basic IT systems, with the ability to maintain accurate records and data.

Qualifications and Training

A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification.

OR extensive experience working in a laboratory or sterile supplies 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:

• 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: http://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.

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 16th August 2026.

The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Interviews are anticipated to be held on 1st and/or 2nd September 2026 subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact

Name: Victoria Day

Job Title: Head of Advanced Therapies - Barnsley

Contact Details: Victoria.Day@nhsbt.nhs.uk