Senior Research Scientist
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
Research, Development and Innovation, Liberton, Edinburgh
Band 8A – Salary Scale: £39,632-£47,559 (Permanent)
As a vital part of NHS Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland’s purpose is to support Scotland’s
Health. We do this by providing a range of specialised support services that enable NHS Boards to
focus their efforts on health improvement and delivering world class patient care.
The core purpose of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is to meet the transfusion needs
of patients in Scotland. In support of this, the SNBTS Research, Development and Innovation (RDI)
Directorate is committed to a programme that will enhance the service provided to NHSScotland in
both clinical and operational areas. SNBTS undertakes research and development which is designed
to support the strategic and operational priorities of the organisation, achieve high quality and impact
and add value to broader NHS and Governmental objectives. Research at SNBTS RDI is divided into
3 theme groups – Microbiology and Components, Clinical Transfusion, and Tissue & Cellular
Therapies.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the SNBTS Microbiology and Components theme group as a
Senior Research Scientist. The successful candidate will be expected to lead and develop a
programme of research focussed on the improvement of blood component function and/or
microbiological surveillance. As part of the Microbiology and Components theme group, the
successful candidate will also provide specialist input in microbiology and/or blood component
research to a variety of projects across SNBTS research.
Educated to PhD Level with at least 4 years post doctoral research experience you will be a proven
researcher in the fields of cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or other relevant discipline.
You will have a track record of peer reviewed publication of your research, collaboration with
researchers outside your own institution and participation in successful applications to external awardgiving bodies. Experience in the dissemination of research in both the academic and healthcare
sectors would be advantageous.
Our benefits package includes final salary pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance
policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and
shopping benefits.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Microbiology and Components theme Group
leader, Dr Juraj Petrik, for an informal discussion about the post. Email: juraj.petrik@nhs.net.
The successful candidate(s) must comply with the Mandatory Induction Standards and with
the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers.
Our benefits package includes final salary pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance
policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and
shopping benefits.
For an application pack please complete the online application form on the SHOW website
www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk. Ref G23366
Closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on 24th June 2014.
Further information on NSS is available from: www.nhsnss.org.
NHS National Services Scotland is the common name of the Common Services Agency for the
Scottish Health Service.
NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer.
Candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria will be guaranteed an interview
NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post Title:
Senior Research Scientist – Reference:
Agenda for Change: Band 8A
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
EXPERIENCE,

A good Honours degree in
biological science.
QUALIFICATIONS &

PhD together with at least 4 years
post-doctoral experience in
biomedical research, in an
academic or healthcare-related
setting.

Demonstrable experience of
working with human primary
samples and/or pathological
specimens

Demonstrable experience in
molecular biology techniques
including nucleic acid and protein
extraction
 Experience of analysing patient
samples, blood donations or
transplant material

Demonstrable experience in basic
immunological and/or cell biology
techniques
 Experience in genomics and
proteomics techniques

Demonstrable record of
publication in peer-reviewed
scientific journals.
TRAINING

Evidence of participation in
applications to external funding
bodies

Experience of collaboration with
external scientific, clinical and/or
commercial individuals and
groups.

Experience of review and
presentation of work at scientific
meetings

Evidence of scientific project
management including working to
defined timelines and managing
complex data sets in appropriate
scientific software
 Evidence of teaching and/or
scientific seminars in an
academic or healthcare setting
 Experience in critically
appraising external scientific
research e.g. peer reviewing
papers or grants
 Experience of work with blood
cell subpopulations and/or stem
cells
 Experience of work with
infectious agents/blood-borne
pathogens
 Evidence of application to an
external funding body as Coapplicant or PI
 Evidence of supervising or
mentoring technicians,
students, other staff
 Time management, organisation
and prioritisation skills
PERSONAL
QUALITIES
 Ability to deal with several complex
scientific projects at one time
 Evidence of self-motivation and
professional development e.g.
organisation of departmental
visiting seminars, teaching of
students etc.
 Strong team-working and
networking skills
 Advanced and highly developed
written and verbal communication
skills
 IT literate
GENERAL

Driving licence
NHS NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB DETAILS
Job Holder
Job Title
Senior Research Scientist:
Transfusion Research
Immediate Senior Officer
Microbiology and Components
Theme Leader, SNBTS
NSS Blood Tissues and Cells
Division
Location
2.
Research, Development and Innovation
(RDI), 21 Ellen’s Glen Road, Edinburgh EH17
7QT
JOB PURPOSE
To initiate and undertake planned research, development and
innovation leading to novel or improved or safer blood products and
services provided by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
(SNBTS) for patient care. The work will be carried out within the
Microbiology and Components RDI (MCRDI) Department and will
involve different aspects of blood safety: microbiological blood safety,
as well as the availability and quality of blood components.
3.
DIMENSIONS
The post is entirely devoted to RDI.
Implements SNBTS and Research Group policy in own and
collaborative project areas within RDI. Contributes to policies and
services arising from own or collaborative work which may be
implemented across the organisation, nationally or internationally.
The post holder will be an authorised signatory for a designated
budget (the individual component of which is currently approximately
£5000). He/she will also be responsible for repair and maintenance of
allocated existing assets as well as preparing both internal and
external funding proposals for replacement at end of their service
lives.
The post holder will also be expected to seek external grant funding
where appropriate.
4.
ORGANISATION CHART
Associate Director RDI
Microbiology and Components
Theme Group leader
Senior Research Scientist
5.
ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT
The core purpose of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
is to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Scotland. In support of
this, the SNBTS RDI Directorate is committed to a programme that will
enhance the service provided to NHSScotland in both clinical and
operational areas.
SNBTS undertakes research and development which is designed to
support the strategic and operational priorities of the organisation,
achieve high quality and impact and add value to broader NHS and
Governmental objectives.
SNBTS research is organised into three research themed areas,
aligned to one of the 3 SNBTS operational directorates (Tissue and
Cellular Therapies; Clinical Transfusion; Blood Donation, Processing
and Testing) RDI also interfaces with both with the main research
intensive Scottish Universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and
Dundee and with partner organisations such as the National CJD
Surveillance Unit and the Roslin Cells. SNBTS RDI also works in
partnership with other research-active Divisions of NSS, wider NHS
Scotland and with other UK Blood Services in order to ensure clinical
relevance and efficient use of resources.
6.
KEY RESULT AREAS

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



Initiates and participates in RDI programme with individual
responsibility for achieving medium to long term objectives
in specific projects eg. 1) to develop and apply molecular
biological techniques and approaches leading to
improvements in preparation, storage and quality of blood
components; 2) to develop and apply molecular biological
techniques and approaches to study the epidemiology,
pathogenesis, diagnostics, inactivation/removal and/or
therapy for selected blood borne infectious agents.
Initiates, plans and participates in laboratory activities,
including performance of a wide range of highly specialised
biochemical, immunological and molecular biological
techniques. This has included the design of laboratory
procedures that can be translated into effective, practical
manufacturing and therapeutic protocols eg. 1) apply
genomic and proteomic approaches to studies on
components’ storage lesion, including exosome formation;
2) apply new technology approaches to projects addressing
improvements in microbiological blood safety.
Maintains current awareness of scientific literature in fields
of work and where appropriate establishes contact with
colleagues working in related areas.
Participates in teaching and training commitments of
SNBTS as appropriate.
Complies with SNBTS guidelines on record keeping,
publication and patenting of research in fields of work.
Prepares written/verbal reports on work within laboratory
and presents such work at meetings and prepares
submissions for publication as appropriate.
Participates in preparation of health and safety
assessments and performs within the required health and
safety regulations of the service.
Observes and obeys the requirement of all legislated acts
affecting employment within the NSS.
Observes the NHS NSS policies on health and safety at
work, welfare, grievance, counselling and disciplinary
procedures.
Undertakes such other appropriate duties as may be
required by the MCRDI Theme Group Leader.
Policy & service responsibility
Establish and implement safety policies relating to allocated
instruments and devices within MCRDI department.
Staff/HR/leadership responsibility
This will involve some supervision of more junior staff on projects
managed by post holder and, as required, training of other staff in
use of specialised equipment for the benefit of all staff within the
MCRDI.
7.
ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The strategic direction of work will be set by the MCRDI Theme Group
Leader. Formal review on an annual basis, or more frequently if
required. Informal review on a monthly basis at laboratory meetings.
 Planning & organisation
Coordinating planning of parallel ongoing research projects with both
internal and external collaborators.

Freedom to act
The post holder is managed by Microbiology and Components Theme
Leader.
Objectives are set on an annual basis with results discussed at regular
reviews. Appraisal review twice a year where performance is
reviewed and personal development plan agreed. This includes
freedom to develop ideas linked to ongoing research programmes and
applying for grant funding where appropriate.
Postholder has considerable freedom to act within own area of
expertise and will develop own techniques and protocols based on
experience, peer reviewed resources or other external reference
points
Uses judgement and experience to arrive at decision when data may
be complex and contentious.
Work is carried out independently, in agreement with general research
plan and goals set up by line manager. Organises own time on a
daily basis as well as planning and specifying annual goals.
Uses own discretion and judgement to prioritise work in order to
achieve objectives, with appropriate reference to approved annual
SNBTS RDI plans and to the theme leader.
The post holder is expected to submit final results and conclusions to
peer reviewed scientific journals.
Complies with local and national safety guidelines, eg, Health and
Safety and COSHH
8.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Communication & relationship skills
The post holder will prepare and present information to small groups at
scientific meetings. This may also include the complex exchange of
information and/or data with external collaborators and the occasional
need to reconcile conflicting opinions. He/she will also present
complex data to SNBTS colleagues at regular theme group and
project meetings. The post holder will be expected to interact with
commercial companies on behalf of SNBTS. This communication may
be oral, written or via electronic media. The post holder will also be
expected to contribute towards patent applications where appropriate.
Presentation of complex and sometimes contentious data to line
manager and colleagues as well as to peers at conferences and
meetings. Participates in publication preparation and poster or oral
presentations both in a formal (conference) and informal (lab meeting)
setting.
Uses skills to negotiate with collaborators on adoption of a particular
approach to a project.
Trains staff and students in selected laboratory methods.
 Patient/client care responsibility
Provision of specialist technical advice and/or the development and
performance of specialist assays.
9.
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB
Project management and prioritisation of work for a number of different
research projects, and using different scientific research approaches.
10.
SYSTEMS
The post holder will be responsible for data entry, analysis and
presentation concerning projects for which they are responsible.
The post holder will be expected to be proficient in the use of
spreadsheets and databases for the collation, storage, manipulation
and presentation of experimental data from a variety of internal and
external information sources, including analysis of data generated by
RDI staff.
Computing for recording/analysing results, report and presentation
writing including graphics, communications, on-line database/journal
searching.
11.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND EFFORT
Physical Effort
The post holder will be expected to undertake benchwork and to
operate specialised equipment eg. PCR and real time PCR
instruments, microarray printers and scanners, blood analysers,
electrophoretic equipment including microfluidic devices,
immunoassay systems, spectrophotometers etc. There is a frequent
requirement to exert moderate physical effort for short periods eg.
lifting and moving boxes of consumables and moving liquid nitrogen
tanks during filling.
Mental Effort
There is frequent requirement for prolonged and intense concentration
eg. planning and performance of intricate assay techniques, data
analysis and interpretation. This includes preparation of data, for
either oral presentation, internal written reports or submission to peerreviewed journals. There is an ongoing requirement to maintain an
awareness of current literature.
Emotional Effort
Exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances is rare.
12.
ENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONS &
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
There is a frequent requirement to handle potentially hazardous
materials eg. toxic or carcinogenic or inflammable chemicals, liquid
nitrogen and potentially infectious human tissues . The post holder will
also be expected to work with VDUs and potentially hazardous
laboratory equipment eg. UVC or laser emitting devices.
13.
QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE SPECIFIED FOR
THE POST

A good Honours degree in an appropriate biological science.

PhD together with relevant demonstrable post-doctoral study.

The post holder will be expected to maintain and develop specialist
skills and expertise in order to contribute to further development of
RDI within SNBTS eg. specialised knowledge in the fields of
microbiology and/or blood biochemistry and molecular biology

Experience of review and presentation of work at scientific
meetings and publication in scientific journals.

Data analysis skills - this will include analysis, interpretation and
presentation of scientific results in situations where professional
opinion may vary and where some information may remain
unknown.

Good scientific skills including manipulation of potentially
hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials and laboratory
equipment in addition to untested blood samples, UV-C/laser
emitting devices and the use of complex analytical equipment.
14.
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder
to whom the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature
Date
Head of Department
Signature
Date
Title
HR Department will check job description format and content and then
send the job description to the AfC Team
HR Representative’s
Signature
Date Job Description Agreed:
Summary of Key Terms and Conditions of Post
Division/Department:
Blood Tissue & Cells
Location:
Edinburgh
Job Title & AfC Pay Band:
Senior Research Scientist band 8a
Salary/Salary Scale:
£39,632-£47,559 per annum
Conditions of Service:
Your terms and conditions of service are in accordance with the
Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions Handbook. Agenda
for Change comprises a National pay system and job evaluation
scheme for the Health Service, a harmonised set of terms and
conditions of employment and a Knowledge and Skills Framework.
Hours of Duty:
The standard full-time hours for NHS staff are 37.5 hours, exclusive
of meal breaks, normally to be worked over 5 days per week. The
hours of this post are 37.5.
Annual Leave:
The annual leave arrangements are:
o
o
o
27 days (202.5 hours) on commencement
29 days (217.5 hours) after 5 years’ service
33 days (247.5 hours) after 10 years’ service.
8 public and statutory holidays are also available within the leave
year.
Superannuation:
All new entrants to NHS National Services Scotland who are
aged sixteen but under seventy five will be enrolled
automatically as a member of the NHS Superannuation
Scheme (Scotland). The pension scheme is provided by the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency. This scheme is a
Qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds
The government’s new standards. All benefits including life
Insurance and family benefits are explained on the SPPA
Website www.sppa.gov.uk
For further information on
Membership benefits, contributions, or how to opt out of the
Scheme, please refer to the enclosed factsheet “Auto
Enrolement.
Medical Assessment:
Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory medical
clearance. The successful candidate will be required to complete a
pre-employment health declaration form and, where appropriate,
undergo a health assessment by the Occupational Health Service.
Summary of Key Terms and Conditions of Post (cont.)
Knowledge and Skills
The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework applies
Framework:
to all jobs covered by Agenda for Change. Under the Knowledge
and Skills Framework, staff will have annual development reviews,
which will result in the production of a personal development plan.
There is equal access to training for all staff.
Equal Opportunities Policy:
NSS is an Equal Opportunities employer and the policy applies
to all aspects of employment.
Smoking Policy:
NSS operates a No Smoking Policy.
Right to Work in the UK
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act
2006, NHS National Services Scotland has a legal obligation to
ensure that it does not employ anyone who has not been granted the
relevant permission to work in the UK. We are therefore required to
check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees.
All shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific
original documentation plus a photocopy when attending
interview.
Applications from candidates who require a Tier 2 Certificate of
sponsorship will only be considered if no suitable UK or EEA
national is identified for this post.
NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND
STAFF BENEFITS PACKAGE
Working for the NHS provides individuals with excellent career prospects and access to a
wide range of jobs. NHS National Services Scotland employs approximately 3,500 staff
working in a number of locations across Scotland.
Some of the benefits of working for NHS National Services Scotland are:-
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A minimum of 27 days annual leave (pro rata) increasing with service
Eight public holidays (pro rata) per year
Access to flexible, family friendly working arrangements
Membership of the NHS Scotland superannuation scheme. Membership also
includes a lump sum death in service benefit.
Excellent training and development opportunities
Season Ticket Loan Scheme
Childcare Voucher Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to national and local staff discounts and promotions
Occupational Health Service
Employee Counselling Service