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Job overview
The Gynaecology Unit at the Royal Marsden is looking for a Biological Specimen Coordinator to join our dynamic team for 11.5 Months (fixed term renewable yearly contract) full time.
We have a large portfolio of translational research projects and are looking for someone who is motivated with an enthusiastic approach to work. You will need to regularly interact with clinicians, nurses and scientists on the research team and outside the hospital, so excellent communication skills and a pro-active approach is vital. You will be working alongside our current biological specimens team to ensure that cancer tissue samples and blood samples are collected, processed, and managed correctly to aid cancer research. You will therefore need to be highly organised and meticulous in your approach to your duties with an understanding of the Human Tissue Act.
During your time in this post, you will be able to develop a valuable set of transferable skills and gain experience working on both commercial and academic clinical studies.
For more information or to come and see our unit please contact: Nikita Patel, Lead Translational Research Manager, Gynaecology Unit, 0207 352 8171 ext 4599.
Main duties of the job
- To work as part of Gynae specimens team within Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and our Academic partner Institute of Cancer Research at both Chelsea and Sutton sites.
- To be responsible for collection, processing, storage and shipment of blood and tissue samples for commercial and academic clinical trial studies that run through the unit.
- To accurately record and track each patient sample through the Gynae research unit’s clinical trial portfolio in accordance to local SOP’s.
- To participate in regular tissue audits.
- Coordinate the shipment and receipt of samples in-house at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation trust.
- To assist with biosample related data queries via liaising with trial sponsors.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
- To be responsible for the collection of clinical samples (tissue and blood) from multiple units and sites across Royal Marsden and Institute of Cancer Research.
- Be responsible for the day to day management of samples from multi-centre studies hosted by the Gynae clinical research unit.
- To communicate effectively with other members of the team and research teams.
- To work independently using own initiative, planning and prioritising own workload
- Liaise with clinicians, surgeons, research nurses, pathologists and laboratory staff to identify and co-ordinate sample collection.
- Ensure that the principles of the Human Tissue Act and GCP are upheld at all times and that all samples collected have appropriate patient consent
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with human samples
- Understanding relevant legislation such as HTA and GCP
Desirable
- Experience of data entry, report production and database management
Other Requirements
Essential
- Self motivated
- Willingness to learn and contribute where appropriate
- Excellent communication and logistics skills
Education/Qualifications
Desirable
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
Skills Abilities/knowledge
Essential
- Good technical skills
- Specimen document control skills
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Possess good organisational and interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Data management, analytical and interpretation skills
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Biological Specimen Coordinator with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £34,186 - £37,389 Per Annum. The contract type is Fixed term: 11 months (11.5 months). The application deadline is 21 Jul 2026.
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