Scientist I - 1 year contract in Wales

About Convatec: Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With more than 10,000 colleagues, we provide our products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring.

Position Overview: Scientist I in the microbiology laboratory in the Global Testing Laboratories. Responsible for performing microbiological testing, working on a variety of development projects across the different business units. Ensures that all work performed in the microbiology lab conforms to internal procedures, reflects applicable regulations/guidelines and meets industry best practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working within a controlled ISO13485 laboratory quality system and in accordance with GLP/GMP compliant procedures.
• Perform routine microbiological tests to support the development of new medical device products.
• Involvement in the development and validation of new microbiological assays.
• Accurate recording and analysis of laboratory data in accordance with good documentation practices.
• Write validation protocols, reports and technical documents.
• Assist in laboratory test methods/procedural revisions.
• Training of junior staff in basic microbial techniques and procedures.
• Responsible for standard laboratory routines, equipment calibration, maintenance, replenishment etc.
• Assist with the preparation of microbiological media in accordance with documented procedures.
• Assist with routine QC testing of media in line with standard pharmacopeial practices (e.g. growth promotion, sterility).
• Preparation and maintenance of microbial stock cultures.
• Ensure compliance with quality control and laboratory processes and procedures.
• Perform detailed laboratory investigations to determine the root cause for atypical and out of specification results, apply corrective and preventive actions and concise report investigations.
• Write COSHH and risk assessments for laboratory procedures.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in a working microbiology laboratory environment.
• An understanding of the role of microbiological testing within the product development process, particularly as it applies to the development of Medical Devices/Pharmaceuticals.
• Good microbiological and problem-solving skills and demonstrates an understanding of the steps involved in initiating and completing a variety of microbiological tasks to support key R&D projects.
• Consults with senior microbiology staff with regard to priorities; schedules personal duties in order to deliver results on time and in line with departmental objectives.
• Ability to execute experiments in an accurate, effective and timely manner, reporting progress to senior microbiology staff.
• Effectively communicate both oral and written scientific and technical data to peers and managers.
• Ability to use own initiative whilst working as part of a team.
• Demonstrates an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proactive and flexible in adapting to a changing environment and ability to balance multiple, competing priorities to meet objectives.
• Highly motivated, possessing excellent personal attributes as well as being a flexible team member willing to take on a wide variety of tasks.
• A practical, methodical, and flexible approach to working.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate in cross-functional teams, building co-operative working relationships.

Qualifications/Education:

• Degree qualified, ideally in Microbiology, Biology or a similar related discipline.
• Knowledge and understanding of compliance with FDA and European regulations relating to Quality Systems (ISO13485:2016, FDA 21 CFR part 820) and GMP Guidelines and Regulations is desirable.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.

Travel Requirements: Minimal (1-5 days a year)

Working Conditions: Laboratory/Office Environment. Working in a laboratory environment with exposure to biological agents, chemicals and reagents.

Ready to join us? At Convatec we’re pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. If you’re ready to make a real impact, apply today and help us bring our Forever Caring promise to life.