Biological Specimen Coordinator
The closing date is 21 July 2026

Job summary
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.

About us
The 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.

Details
Date posted: 09 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £34,186 to £37,389 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 11 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 282-CR1669
Job locations: Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea, SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• 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
Education/Qualifications
Desirable

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

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

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

Other Requirements
Essential

• Self motivated
• Willingness to learn and contribute where appropriate
• Excellent communication and logistics skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea, SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden

For questions about the job, contact:
Lead Translational Research Manager
Nikita Patel
Nikita.Patel@rmh.nhs.uk

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