Biological Specimen Coordinator

An excellent opportunity has arisen at The Royal Marsden Hospital to work within the Head and Neck Research Unit as Biological Specimen Coordinator.

The Royal Marsden has now also become the world’s first International Centre for Recurrent Head & Neck Cancer (IReC). IReC has an ambitious aim to create a centre of excellence and set international standards in the curative treatment, palliation, and supportive care of recurrent head and neck cancers.

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). Primarily based at the ICR, you will be integral in the running of exciting oncological research studies and have a close working relationship with the research team in this specialist area.

You will work within the guidelines and policies for the conduct of clinical trials, ensuring high standards of practice 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.
- 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 -70oC).
- 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.
- To participate in regular tissue audits.
- Assist with non-tissue related data for clinical trials in the Head Neck and Thyroid Unit as required
- Develop a useful set of laboratory skills associated with processing samples and receive training in

patient consent.

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 and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

For more information, please refer to the job description and person specification.
- To ensure the timely and efficient collection of samples
- To ensure accurate labelling of samples
- To freeze tissue at -80oC 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
- To liaise closely and coordinate tissue collection and data collection with the Clinical Research Nurses, the Histopathology departments of the RMNHST and the ICR and other members of the head, neck and thyroid clinical trials unit