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- Tasks: Join the Eye Bank Team to process ocular tissue and create life-saving products.
- Company: NHS Blood and Transplant is dedicated to saving lives through exceptional care and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of holiday, flexible working, and a comprehensive training programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in a biological discipline or equivalent experience in tissue or blood banking required.
- Other info: This role includes on-call duties and opportunities for continuous professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
You will be an integral part of the Eye Bank Team, processing ocular tissue and serum eyedrops into clinical standard products following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), for use in ocular transplants and dry eye treatments. Working in a fast moving and variable environment your essential role will directly contribute to saving and improving lives.
You will undertake an extensive induction and training programme, with ongoing assessment, and receive ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.
Main duties of the job
- Ensuring the efficient functioning of all aspects of tissue receipt, processing and dispatch to the required quality standards using laboratory equipment.
- Assisting in developing the service in anticipation of future clinical needs.
- Updating production records written and/or electronic to take receipt of, and account for incoming tissue and materials.
- Providing specialised training for Tissue Bank Assistant staff in a defined area and supervising their work.
- Processing a wide range of tissue products, including corneas, sclera, along with the assessment and tissue manipulation of corneas such as DSAEK Pre-cutting and DMEK Peeling.
- Performing independent quality control checks on batch records.
- Lifting and carrying items up to a weight of 15kgs, with and without the use of mechanical aids.
- Participating in a 24 hour on-call rota and routine Saturday and Sunday working.
- Willingness to work irregular hours and ability to undertake travel and spend time away from base, including overnight stays when required (with appropriate prior notice).
About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of working in a laboratory.
- An understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice and Health and Safety requirements.
- Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Qualifications And Training
- BSc in a biological discipline, or equivalent qualification.
- Equivalent level of knowledge gained through formal training and work experience in tissue or blood banking.
- Demonstrate commitment to own Continued Professional Development (CPD).
What We Offer
- 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.
- NHS pension scheme.
- A culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow.
- Support in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career.
- Access to the Thrive program, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth.
Tissue Bank Practitioner employer: NHS Blood and Transplant
Contact Detail:
NHS Blood and Transplant Recruiting Team
david.usherwood@nhsbt.nhs.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tissue Bank Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, as this is crucial for the role. Understanding these standards will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in tissue processing.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant laboratory experience you have, especially if it involves working with biological materials. Be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've performed that relate to tissue banking or similar environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office. Being proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can set you apart, as you'll need to manage records and communicate effectively within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your commitment to continuous professional development. The NHS values growth, so mentioning any courses or training you've undertaken will reflect positively on your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Tissue Bank Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Tissue Bank Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any laboratory experience you have, particularly in tissue or blood banking. Mention specific tasks you've performed that relate to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and quality control, as these are crucial for this role.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially if you hold a BSc in a biological discipline or equivalent qualifications. If you have additional training or certifications related to tissue banking, make sure to include those as well.
Demonstrate Commitment to Development: Express your commitment to continued professional development (CPD). Mention any relevant courses or training you've undertaken, and how they have prepared you for this role. This shows your dedication to growth within the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Blood and Transplant
✨Understand Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Familiarise yourself with GMP guidelines as they are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these principles in previous experiences, especially in a laboratory setting.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with laboratory equipment and any specific techniques related to ocular tissue processing. Be ready to explain how you ensure quality control and maintain accurate production records.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership
Since you'll be supervising Tissue Bank Assistants, share examples of how you've successfully led a team or trained others in a professional setting. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you had to adapt quickly or handle unexpected challenges, particularly in a clinical or laboratory context.
