Biological Testing Technician

NHS; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the United Kingdom seeks a laboratory technician to test medical devices for compliance and safety. This role requires a relevant biological degree and experience in microbiological testing, along with good laboratory practices. The technician will work both in Bridgend and Newport, handling various medical samples. A commitment to quality and an agile working approach is expected, making this a great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Agile working approach

Qualifications

• Requires scientific knowledge acquired through a relevant biological degree or equivalent.
• Previous practical microbiological or biological laboratory experience.
• Good laboratory techniques such as pipetting and endotoxin testing.

Responsibilities

• Test medical devices for safety and compliance.
• Manage and maintain laboratory consumables and temperatures.
• Communicate with clients and healthcare staff regarding testing.

Skills

Microbial morphology and identification

Antimicrobial testing

Ability to communicate effectively

Laboratory techniques

Education

Relevant biological degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Laboratory Information Management Systems

Job description

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 responsibilities

Job responsibilities highlight the key functions and responsibilities of this role. 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

• 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.

Experience

• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• Ability to accurately follow written procedures.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and manage conflicting demands on time and resources.

Other

• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
• 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.