Job Summary
The West Wing Clinical Research Centre (WWCRC) supports a wide portfolio of commercial and academic clinical trials, and we are seeking a committed Senior Laboratory Assistant to join our expanding team. In this role, you will independently support the day-to-day running of the research laboratory, leading on the collection, processing and storage of biological samples in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the Human Tissue Act (HTA) and Trust policies. You will manage sample tracking systems, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure all samples are handled safely, efficiently and in line with study requirements. You will also support the set-up of new trials and amendments, review laboratory manuals, update EDGE, and coordinate sample shipments nationally and internationally. A key aspect of the role includes supervising and training Band 4 Laboratory Assistants, ensuring workflows are maintained and quality standards upheld. You will liaise closely with Clinical Trial Teams, internal departments, external laboratories, and Biobank facilities, providing excellent customer care and timely communication. We are looking for someone with a Biomedical Science degree (or equivalent), at least one year's laboratory or clinical trials experience, strong technical skills, excellent organisation, and confidence working independently. Experience supervising staff and familiarity with HTA and GCP. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact cancer research.

Main Duties of the Job

• The post holder will work within the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in conjunction with the other Biological Specimen Coordinator(s), Biobank team, CRT for collecting, cataloguing and processing clinical samples (usually blood specimens and Urine Samples) belonging to the WWCRC.
• The post will be responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing tracking systems for all samples coming through the unit and will ensure all procedures meet with Human Tissue Act (HTA) requirements and Good Clinical Practice UK Regulations for hosted commercial/academic studies as well as all sample retrieved for central review from all participating centres in the UK and globally for the Trusts sponsored studies running through the WWCRC.
• The role will involve supervising and assisting Band 4 Laboratory Assistant with day-to-day tasks.

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.

Job Description
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

• Working independently on a daily basis but as an integral part of a busy research department and being responsible supervision and collection of patient samples for ongoing studies.
• Collecting samples, processing and labelling samples, managing the collection and storage of samples in the appropriate conditions (-80 fridges/freezers at -70oC/dry ice) in sponsored studies.
• Lead the setup of new trials and amendments, including review of trial protocols, laboratory manuals, and EDGE updates under guidance from the Laboratory Manager. Liaise with Clinical Trial Teams (CTTs) to ensure all trial-specific sample handling, kit preparation, and documentation requirements are met. Responsibility for all stored samples and management of the data associated with the collected material and other samples.
• Managing the data associated with collected material and samples for a range of studies, including clinical trials and translational studies sponsored by the RM Trust and run out of the WWCRC

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Biomedical Science degree or equivalent

Desirable

• Evidence of training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or willingness to undertake

Experience
Essential

• Have experience in a research laboratory assistant role or equivalent in clinical trial setting.
• Demonstrable laboratory experience in the techniques listed in the job description
• Laboratory with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Experience of database management
• Ability to work independently in accordance with policies and procedures and use initiative
• Ability to work as part of a team

Desirable

• Experience of training staff and supervising staff
• Basic understanding of sample processing for research analysis

Other Requirements
Essential

• Flexible attitude to work
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the service (e.g. shift work, working out of hours)
• Positive attitude to change
• Satisfactory record in previous employment.
• Ability to work outside of standard working hours if necessary
• Able to work on shift if required and to be flexible to meet the needs of the role
• Able to travel between clinical centres for sample collection
• Ability to undertake duties requiring light physical effort and occasionally moderate effort for short periods

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 Sutton, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (opens in a new tab)

Contact:
Laboratory Manager
Name: Ola Kuku
Email: Mutiat.Kuku@rmh.nhs.uk