Biological Specimen Coordinator

Job overview

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 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).

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