Biological Specimen Coordinator

NHS

  • Sutton, Greater London
  • £32,199-34,876 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
Biological Specimens Coordinator and Data ManagerAn opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our large multi-disciplinary cancer research team in GI and Lymphoma as a biological specimen coordinator and data manager. An active interest in cancer research, and the ability to work semi-independently within a multi-disciplinary team are essential.The role will be primarily based in Sutton site for the first instance. However, you will be expected to work across both our sites in Fulham Road- Chelsea and Sutton Surrey as and when required.You may also need to support the GI/Lymphoma team with the possibility of occasional visits to other hospitals to retrieve tissue.You will need to interact on a daily basis with clinicians, nurses and scientists on the research team and outside the hospital and it is, therefore, vital that you possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will be working under the supervision of the (Lead)Translational Research Managers & Senior Biological Specimen Coordinators to ensure that cancer tissue samples, bloods and other biological samples are collected, processed and managed according to protocol to support and aid the unit's large portfolio of cancer research trials. You must therefore be highly organised & meticulous in your working methods.Interviews will be held on the 26th September 2025For further details contact: Ruwaida Begum, Lead Translational Research Manager. Tel No. 0208 915 4295Main duties of the job1.1 The post holder will work within the Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust (RMHNHST)and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) Tissue Collection Facility and be responsible, in conjunction with the current GI and Lymphoma biological specimen co-ordinators and senior biological specimen coordinators for collecting, cataloging and processing clinical samples (usually tumour and blood specimens) belonging to the GI and Lymphoma Clinical Trials Unit, supporting the unit across both locations of the Trust.1.2 The job involves working as an integral part of a busy research department, collecting patient samples for ongoing studies.1.3 This will include collection of old and new tissue samples, processing and labelling samples, managing the collection of samples and storing samples in the appropriate conditions (eg fridges and freezers at -70oC). 1.4 It will involve receiving samples in-house at the Royal Marsden NHS Trust but will also involve travelling to collect samples taken elsewhere at the RMHNHST and external sites, including the Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Kington Hospital& Epsom & St Helier.About usThe 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.DetailsDate posted03 September 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 4Salary£32,199 to £34,876 a year per annumContractFixed termDuration12 monthsWorking patternFull-timeReference number282-CR756Job locationsThe Royal Marsden SuttonSuttonSM2 5PTJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:2.1 To ensure the timely and efficient collection of samples2.2 To ensure accurate labelling of samples2.3 To ensure that the work is carried out in line with laboratory Manuals, Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental and National Policies (The Human Tissue Act)2.4 To freeze tissue at -80oC or in liquid nitrogen2.5 To process tissue and blood samples as required eg. Separating plasma and cellsDuring your time in this post, you will be able to develop a valuable set of transferable skills, and in particular there is the opportunity to be trained in basic laboratory techniques and the possibility of undertaking training in patient consent & phlebotomy. Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:2.1 To ensure the timely and efficient collection of samples2.2 To ensure accurate labelling of samples2.3 To ensure that the work is carried out in line with laboratory Manuals, Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental and National Policies (The Human Tissue Act)2.4 To freeze tissue at -80oC or in liquid nitrogen2.5 To process tissue and blood samples as required eg. Separating plasma and cellsDuring your time in this post, you will be able to develop a valuable set of transferable skills, and in particular there is the opportunity to be trained in basic laboratory techniques and the possibility of undertaking training in patient consent & phlebotomy.Person SpecificationEducation/QualificationsEssential
  • BSc (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject
  • Basic understanding of Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental and National Policies (The Human Tissue Act)
Desirable
  • Technical qualification in pathology/ histopathology
  • Knowledge of, and interest in, cancer research
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience of database management
Desirable
  • Experience of working in a laboratory environment (preferably within a clinical/ hospital setting)
Skills Abilities/knowledgeEssential
  • Good experimental technique
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptable
  • Ability to work independently and use initiative
  • Evidence of effective interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise with multidisciplinary team members
  • Evidence of working well in a team
  • Ability to demonstrate self-motivation
  • Ability to make decisions, organise, prioritise and work to deadline
  • Computer Literacy (eg: Microsoft Word and Outlook)
  • Ability to be highly organised and methodical in conducting work
  • Familiarity with Microsoft excel and access
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent organisational skills and record keeping skills
Desirable
  • Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills
  • Evidence of effective negotiating
Person SpecificationEducation/QualificationsEssential
  • BSc (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject
  • Basic understanding of Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental and National Policies (The Human Tissue Act)
Desirable
  • Technical qualification in pathology/ histopathology
  • Knowledge of, and interest in, cancer research
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience of database management
Desirable
  • Experience of working in a laboratory environment (preferably within a clinical/ hospital setting)
Skills Abilities/knowledgeEssential
  • Good experimental technique
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptable
  • Ability to work independently and use initiative
  • Evidence of effective interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise with multidisciplinary team members
  • Evidence of working well in a team
  • Ability to demonstrate self-motivation
  • Ability to make decisions, organise, prioritise and work to deadline
  • Computer Literacy (eg: Microsoft Word and Outlook)
  • Ability to be highly organised and methodical in conducting work
  • Familiarity with Microsoft excel and access
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent organisational skills and record keeping skills
Desirable
  • Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills
  • Evidence of effective negotiating

NHS