# Biological Specimen Coordinator > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/biological-specimen-coordinator/4f436cf9-2596-4789-b9d5-0798f4589cda - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/biological-specimen-coordinator/4f436cf9-2596-4789-b9d5-0798f4589cda.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust - **Town:** London - **Region:** London - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Administrative and IT - **Grade:** Band 5 - **Salary:** £38,488 - £46,852 Per Annum - **Contract type:** 12 months (Fixed term) - **Employment type:** Full time - 37.5 hours per week - **Closing date:** 2026-06-25T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-06-18T08:30:26.785Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/London/Chelsea/The_Royal_Marsden_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Head_Neck_Research/Head_Neck_Research-v8090566 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8090566?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### Job overview 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, please refer to each JDPS) 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 -80oC). 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. ### Detailed job description and main responsibilities For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification: - 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 -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. ## Job Details 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, please refer to each JDPS) 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. ## Job Description 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 -80oC). 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. ## Responsibilities For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification: 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 -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. ## Person Specification ### Experience **Desirable** - Experience of working in a laboratory environment (preferably within a clinical/ hospital setting) - Experience of database management ### Other Requirements **Essential** - 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 ### Education/Qualifications **Essential** - Bachelor of Science (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject - Able to follow departmental and Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental - Understanding of regulatory requirements around tissue including The Human Tissue Act **Desirable** - Technical qualification in pathology/ histopathology - Knowledge of, and interest in, cancer research ### Skills Abilities/knowledge **Essential** - 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 **Desirable** - Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills ## Documents - [job features form (pdf, 128.6kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10383846) - [royal marsden trust values (pdf, 715.5kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2360) - [workplace wellbeing and rewards guide (pdf, 1.2mb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2580) - [282-cr1611 job description and person specification (pdf, 303.4kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10383844) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.