Job overview

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to lead an innovative team in the Manufacturing & Distribution Department at the Welsh Blood Service (WBS). Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Welsh Blood Service to provide blood components to hospitals throughout Wales.

The Welsh Blood Service has an opportunity for a HCPC registered Senior Biomedical Scientist to work within the Manufacturing & Distribution Laboratory.

The role supports the implementation and ongoing management of the supply of plasma not required for immediate clinical use, but for the manufacture of lifesaving medicines for the benefit of patients in Wales.

The post holder will work closely with the Lead Scientist for Blood and Plasma supply chain, the Head of Manufacturing and Distribution, and the Operations Manager of Automated Testing to implement and maintain an optimal supply chain of plasma for medicines.

Plasma collected in Wales will be used to produce medicines such as Immunoglobulins and Albumin. Therefore, it is necessary that all newly developed services and processes must comply with the specifications outlined in the UK Guidelines for Transfusion Services, Council of Europe Guidelines, and all relevant UK Laws and Quality regulations.

Main duties of the job

The role will be in the Manufacturing & Distribution department and will involve working as a leader of a team to ensure the production and distribution of blood components and blood derived commercial products throughout Wales.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Support the Automated Testing and Manufacturing departments in delivering a range of programmes and change initiatives related to the implementation of plasma supply for medicines.

·         Responsibilities will include introducing new technologies and testing, embedding new ways of working, developing service and supply chains, and ensuring the ongoing provision and support of routine services.

·         Advancing knowledge and capability within the plasma supply process, developing subject matter expertise, and act as a primary point of contact for routine manufacturing and testing laboratory queries.

·      Maintain a thorough and current working knowledge of practices, licensing and regulatory standards related to plasma testing, manufacture and bulk distribution.

·         Ensure laboratory colleagues are appropriately involved and trained in new or updated processes through effective communication and timely delivery of implementation and training plans.

·         Collect, prepare, and analyse scientific data to identify trends, best practices, and challenges, and use these insights to inform and recommend future activities and opportunities for development.

Working for our organisation

Here at Velindre University NHS Trust we are extremely proud of the specialist services we provide across the whole of Wales in our cutting-edge Velindre Cancer Centre and our award-winning Welsh Blood Service, as well as the expertise of our corporate functions that bring the two divisions together. We are also fortunate to host the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales and have developed strong partnership working with these expert services. 

Formed in 1999, the Trust has a dedicated workforce that continuously strives to provide the key principles of prudent healthcare through a wide array of roles. We play a vital role in the communities we support and have ambitious plans for the future to continue to improve the services we deliver. We strive to maintain our core values in everything we do by being; accountable, bold, caring and dynamic, and ensuring the best possible care for our patients and donors.

If you want to work for an organisation that prides itself on making a real difference and offers exciting career opportunities then Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.

Visit our website to find out more https://velindre.nhs.wales/

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.