Job summary
The role will be based at both our Bridgend and Newport sites. The role is based within the biological laboratory and will involve testing of medical devices for the NHS in Wales and commercial clients. The role will require working to a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited quality system. The duties will include sample handling and testing samples such as surgical materials, dressings, and medical/surgical devices using a variety of microbiological, biological and chemical techniques.
This post is fixed term/secondment for 12 months to 01/09/2026 to cover maternity leave. If you are interested in applying for this as a secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.
Main duties of the job
Test medical devices for the Welsh NHS and industry to assess whether devices placed on contract or in the market are safe and appropriate for use on patients.Selects and performs a wide range of tests on medical devices, including, but not limited to, endotoxin of medical devices & water, bioburden of medical devices, antimicrobial testing of dressings and dry penetration of surgical drapes & gowns.Use their knowledge to interpret, British, European, and International Standards to determine if testing can be conducted by the laboratory.Analyse, compare and interpret raw scientific data, to determine whether results meet compliance requirements of standards.Writes, validates, and utilises Test Methods and Standard Operating Procedures for the department, ensuring that databases and documentation systems are current.Be aware of and comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, risk assessments and hazard data sheets, and be familiar with departmental Health and Safety Regulations:Liaise and communicate with clients and healthcare staff over testing projects with various levels of staff.Take responsibility for checking and maintaining the supply of laboratory consumables, including chemical stock, as well as the daily monitoring of fridge, freezer and incubator temperatures used to store expensive biological materials, reagents and samples which require stringent storage conditions.
About us
At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership we expect everyone to embrace our values of Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility and Innovating.
Our organisation encourages an agile working approach and we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation motivated by continuous improvement.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion, focussing on the wellbeing and belonging of our people.
Excellent customer service is something we strive for, for both our internal and external customers.
Offering a comprehensive benefits package, there is something for everyone. To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process please visit https://nwssp.nhs.wales/working-for-us/
NWSSP work in an agile way where possible, all posts will have a contractual base but as part of agile ways of working that may mean working from home and other locations. We also look at how we balance flexibility with community, and how to manage opportunities to learn from each other.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Requires scientific knowledge acquired through a relevant biological degree or equivalent.
- Previous practical microbiological or biological laboratory experience and on-the-job training in the specific microbiological, biological and chemical test methods used in the laboratory, e.g. Gram staining, and water chemical testing.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in microbial morphology and identification, antimicrobial testing of medical devices, chemical analysis of water.
- Experience in working with a range of pathogenic microorganisms, animal cell lines, and bacteriophage.
Desirable
- Experience of working to a defined quality system, preferably ISO 17025 accredited.
- Good laboratory techniques such as pipetting, identification of organisms, endotoxin and TVC testing
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Previous computer IT experience e.g. UNIX-like operating systems, MS office and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
- Ability to communicate with individuals on all levels.
- Ability to work as part of a team, or unsupervised.
Desirable
- Ability to accurately follow written procedures.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and manage conflicting demands on time and resources.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
Desirable
- Welsh Speaker (Level 1) or willingness to work towards
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Requires scientific knowledge acquired through a relevant biological degree or equivalent.
- Previous practical microbiological or biological laboratory experience and on-the-job training in the specific microbiological, biological and chemical test methods used in the laboratory, e.g. Gram staining, and water chemical testing.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in microbial morphology and identification, antimicrobial testing of medical devices, chemical analysis of water.
- Experience in working with a range of pathogenic microorganisms, animal cell lines, and bacteriophage.
Desirable
- Experience of working to a defined quality system, preferably ISO 17025 accredited.
- Good laboratory techniques such as pipetting, identification of organisms, endotoxin and TVC testing
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Previous computer IT experience e.g. UNIX-like operating systems, MS office and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
- Ability to communicate with individuals on all levels.
- Ability to work as part of a team, or unsupervised.
Desirable
- Ability to accurately follow written procedures.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and manage conflicting demands on time and resources.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
Desirable
- Welsh Speaker (Level 1) or willingness to work towards
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
