Biological Specimen Coordinator
At a glance
- Band
- Band 4
- Contract
- Fixed-term
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 18/09/2026
- Closes
- 02/10/2026
Sponsorship verdict
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The advert didn't contain a clear role-specific sponsorship line, so HiveMind can't confirm eligibility. Verify with the recruiting manager or trust HR before you apply.
Role summary
This role involves coordinating biological specimens for the Head and Neck Research Unit at The Royal Marsden Hospital. The post holder will be responsible for collecting, cataloguing, processing, and tracking clinical samples across Chelsea and Sutton sites. It requires managing associated data and ensuring compliance with regulations and SOPs. The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting cancer research.
Key responsibilities
- Collect, catalogue, and process clinical samples at both Chelsea and Sutton sites.
- Process, label, manage, and track sample collection and sending in compliance with regulations and SOPs.
- Store samples in appropriate conditions, such as fridges and freezers at -80oC.
- Manage data associated with collected samples and archival materials, accurately recording and tracking each sample.
- Ensure timely and efficient collection and accurate labelling of samples.
- Liaise with scientists and clinicians between the Royal Marsden NHS Trust and the Institute of Cancer Research.
Essential criteria
- Bachelor of Science (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject
- Able to follow departmental and Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental
- 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
Desirable criteria
- Technical qualification in pathology/ histopathology
- Knowledge of, and interest in, cancer research
- Experience of working in a laboratory environment (preferably within a clinical/ hospital setting)
- Experience of database management
- Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 4 at £26,530 – £29,114 a year, across England.
This advert: £34,186 – £37,389 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Biological Specimen Coordinator
The closing date is 02 October 2026
Job summary
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
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