Job overview

The role of a Research and Development Officer at the Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory (SMTL), part of NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP), is a dynamic and impactful position that supports the Welsh NHS through innovative research and development (R&D) investigations into medical devices.

In this role, you'll be at the forefront of enhancing patient care and healthcare worker safety by conducting evidence reviews and providing technical assurance.

You'll conduct research by collaborating with healthcare workers, health economists, other researchers, device manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to disseminate your research through publications, presentations, and web articles, providing valuable information and advice to healthcare workers on medical device issues

This role requires a proactive and organized individual who can coordinate and participate in research activities and device evaluations within Wales, including human factors, health economics, statistics, usability research, and NHS clinical evaluations. You'll be responsible for ensuring that R&D projects meet mutually agreed specifications and targets, and you'll play a key role in planning and organizing meetings with a diverse group of professionals.

If you're enthusiastic, passionate, and committed to making a positive difference, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Wales.

Main duties of the job

• Supports the Welsh NHS by performing research and development (R&D) investigations into medical devices, including evidence reviews and providing technical assurance.
• Works closely with NWSSP Procurement, ensuring necessary support material is available for meetings and contracts.
• Writes and submits grant applications for SMTL research projects, project plans and proposals for commercial projects.
• Conducts research by regularly meeting and working with health care workers (HCWs), health economists, other researchers, device manufacturers and regulatory authorities as well as examining information such as technical reports, publications and regulations.
• Conducts research and writes papers for journal publication.
• Disseminates research via publications, presentations and web articles. Provides information and advice to HCWs regarding medical device issues which affect HCW safety and patient care.
• Participates actively in a range of Welsh and National groups, such as the NWSSP Procurement Services subgroups and Clinical Academic Groups (CAGs). Liaises with UK agencies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as necessary.
• Coordinates and participates in research activities and device evaluations within Wales as required, including human factors, health economics, statistics, usability research and NHS clinical evaluations.

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.