Biological Specimen Coordinator

Full Time 37.5 hours per week. Fixed Term 12-month post Cross-Site
Agenda for Change terms and conditions - Band 4

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

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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with relevant lab experience 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.

The Trust is committed to developing and delivering excellent customer focused service by treating patients, their families, friends, carers and staff with professionalism, respect, and dignity. We also offer the opportunity to further your studies and development at a hospital that has been at the forefront of innovation in research for decades.

The post holder will work predominantly within the ICR and RMHNST and be responsible for collecting, cataloguing, and processing clinical samples from 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 o C).

Receiving samples in-house at the ICR or Royal Marsden NHS Trust (located in close proximity) and travelling, where necessary, to collect samples taken elsewhere in the trust.

Manage the data associated with the collected samples and other archival materials, accurately recording, and tracking each sample.

To participate in regular tissue audits.

Develop a useful set of laboratory skills associated with processing samples

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 on-going achievements.

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

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 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.