Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

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.