Biological Specimen Coordinator in London

Full Time 37.5 hours per week. Fixed Term 12-month post Cross-Site Agenda for Change terms and conditions – Band 4 or Band 5 Biological Specimen Coordinator (dependent on level of experience). An excellent opportunity has arisen at The Royal Marsden Hospital to work within the Head and Neck Research Unit as Biological Specimen Coordinator. The Head and Neck Unit at The Royal Marsden is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and includes one of the largest research teams within the trust. It is recognised worldwide for its strength in diagnosing and treating cancers of the head and neck.

The role of Biological Specimen Coordinator is pivotal, and you will be part of a multidisciplinary team, liaising with a variety of staff throughout the Royal Marsden and Institute of Cancer (ICR). We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who must have previous clinical research experience and ability to uphold high standards of clinical trial conduct in accordance with the principles of GCP. In addition, you will have excellent communication and administrative skills, and be supportive to new initiatives. The successful applicant should have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team as well as independently.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will work within the RMHNST and ICR and be responsible for collecting, cataloguing, and processing clinical samples at both Chelsea and Sutton sites.
• Processing, labelling, managing, and tracking the collection and sending of samples in compliance with all current regulations and SOPs.
• Storing samples in the appropriate conditions (e.g., fridges and freezers at -80°C).
• Receiving samples in-house at the Royal Marsden NHS Trust and travelling to collect samples taken elsewhere at the RMHNHST and from the Institute of Cancer Research (within close proximity to both sites).
• Manage the data associated with the collected samples and other archival materials, accurately recording, and tracking each sample.

Working for our organisation:

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world‑leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do. At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our ongoing achievements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• To ensure the timely and efficient collection of samples.
• To ensure accurate labelling of samples.
• To ensure that the work is carried out in line with laboratory Manuals, protocols, Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental and National Policies (The Human Tissue Act).
• To freeze tissue at -80°C or in liquid nitrogen (training will be provided).
• To process tissue and blood samples as required e.g. Separating plasma and cells.
• To send samples, sometimes using dry ice as requested via external courier services.
• To work semi-independently across both sites to ensure timely collection of samples for use by the research team.
• To liaise with scientists and clinicians between the RMHNHST and the ICR.

Person specification:

Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject.
• Able to follow departmental and Standard Operational Procedures.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements around tissue including The Human Tissue Act.
• Knowledge of, and interest in, cancer research.

Experience:

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment (preferably within a clinical/hospital setting).
• Experience of database management.

Skills Abilities/knowledge:

• Working knowledge of lab techniques.
• Evidence of working well in a team and independently.
• Ability to make decisions, organise, prioritise and work to deadline.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and record keeping skills.
• Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills.

Other Requirements:

• Flexibility to meet the needs of the service (e.g. shift work, working outside standard working hours if necessary).
• Able to work on both sites and to be flexible to meet the needs of the role.

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.