NOTE: HCPC Registration is desirable for this role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for either a Band 7 Senior Healthcare Scientist (Biomedical or Clinical) to join a busy and progressive accredited laboratory. The Cambridge Cellular Therapy Laboratory (CCTL) is a regional lab delivering cellular therapies, including providing analysis, processing, cryopreservation and storage of cells for therapeutic use. It is based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest biomedical research campus in Europe home to two NHS flagship trusts, multiple world-class research institutes, the University Medical School and a thriving biopharma ecosystem. The lab will expand to a new purpose built facility within the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre providing 4 state of the art cleanrooms and capability to manage Class 1 and Class 2 GMOs. CCTL is becoming increasingly involved in Immune Effector Cell / AT(I)MP cell handling, and facilitates the provision of CAR-T cells for a range of indications.

Main duties of the job

You will play a key role in overseeing the routine stem cell transplantation service under the supervision of the Production Manager. Experience in compliance with regulatory bodies relating to tissue or cells for human use (HTA and JACIE) is desirable. Experience of working within a Quality Management System is required and you will aid the reporting, investigation and CAPA execution of Quality Events. You will lead on change management and validation projects. You will supervise staff members in a leadership role, assist the CAR T service and participate in the provision of other novel immunotherapies as they develop. Theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspects of stem cell processing is would be beneficial. A background in Cell Therapy, Manufacturing, Pharmacy, Haematology with Transfusion, Immunology, or Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics would be highly advantageous. The role will include working on human blood and tissues in a clean room environment and you will be required to assist in the management of the Liquid Nitrogen facility. Allocation of other role specific duties will depend on candidate HCPC registration status.

About us

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 11000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.

Job description

Job responsibilities

CCTL are also moving towards translating cutting-edge cell and gene therapy based research from bench to the bedside in collaboration with academic and commercial partners, with the strategic goal to ensure we are at the forefront of providing new cell and gene based therapies to patients in the NHS. This newly created position will offer an opportunity to work within a multi-skilled team of personnel, both in the smooth running of the routine clinical service but in addition the development of novel treatments.

To qualify, you will need to have relevant post-graduate qualifications, plus significant relevant knowledge and experience of cell therapy manufacturing and quality control. Your technical credentials will be complemented by excellent communication, training and leadership skills.

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 24th September 2023

Interviews are due to be held on 2nd October 2023

Benefits to you

We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant BSc or equivalent.
• Relevant MSc or equivalent.

Desirable

• Relevant HCPC registration.
• IBMS specialist portfolio, completion of STP training or equivalent Cell Therapy specialist training programme
• PhD.

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a laboratory such as Cell/Gene therapy, Blood Transfusion, Immunology, H& I, Pharmacy, or clinical manufacturing facility.
• Leadership / supervision of junior staff.
• Use of the laboratory information and quality management systems.
• Experience of change management, validation and designing workflows.
• Experience of pre-inspection audits or HTA/MHRA/JACIE inspection preparation and outcome management.

Desirable

• Experience of a HTA/MHRA licensed laboratory.
• Proven workflow/ capacity management
• Working to cGMP
• Use of Ultra Low Temperature storage.
• Experience of out of hours working.
• Experience of working in a Clean Room environment or aseptic technique.

Knowledge

Essential

• Awareness of Quality Regulations in relation to processing of cells and tissue for human application (HTA/MHRA/JACIE).
• Fully Computer literate.
• COSHH and Risk Assessment procedures.
• Awareness of the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Understanding of how to effectively manage and implement change.

Desirable

• Receipt, processing, cryopreservation, storage, issue of products for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
• Database literate.
• Q Pulse Quality Management System.
• Flow cytometry.
• Immunology.
• Cell/Gene Therapy.
• Awareness of genetically modified organisms.

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to supervise and train junior staff.
• Able to work both in a team and as an individual.
• Ability to work in an organised manner, to high standards and with a very high level of accuracy and precision.
• Good time management.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods.
• The ability to problem solve and troubleshoot.
• Evidenced decision making skills with the potential for clinical impact
• Scientific critical thinking skills

Desirable

• Ability to cope under pressure.
• Presentation skills.

Additional Requirements

Essential

• The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
• Flexible in relation to working times
• Support On-call service
• Participate in Saturday working if needed

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Addenbrooke's Hospital-Division B

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

180-B-234280