Job Title

Job overview An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our large multi-disciplinary cancer research team in the Renal, Skin and Solid Tumour Cellular Therapies department as a Senior Biological Specimen Coordinator. An active interest in cancer research and the ability to work semi-independently within a multi-disciplinary team are essential. The post will require travel cross site between Sutton and Chelsea, as needed within the service provision, but will have a focus on our Sutton Site. You will need to interact daily with clinicians, nurses and scientists on the research team and outside the hospital and it is, therefore, vital that you possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will be working under the supervision of the Lead Translational Research Manager to ensure that cancer tissue and blood samples are collected, processed and managed according to protocol to support and aid the unit’s large portfolio of cancer research trials. You must therefore be highly organised and meticulous in your working methods.During your time in this post, you will be able to develop a valuable set of transferable skills, and there is the opportunity to be trained in basic laboratory techniques, phlebotomy and patient consent. This is a developmental role AfC Band 4-5, depending on candidate experience. Appointment will be on a fixed term contract for 12 months. 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) Tissue Collection Facility and be responsible, in conjunction with the other Biological Specimen Coordinator(s) for collecting, cataloguing and processing clinical samples (usually tumour and blood specimens) for translational research within Renal, Melanoma and Solid Tumour Cellular Therapies. The post will be responsible for translational research 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 tissue retrieved for central review from all participating centres in the UK and globally for the Trusts sponsored studies running through Renal, Melanoma and Solid Tumour Cellular Therapies. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Working independently on a daily basis but as an integral part of a busy research department and being responsible for the collection and coordination of patient samples for ongoing studies. Collecting archival and new tissue samples, processing and labelling samples, managing the collection and storage of samples in the appropriate conditions (fridges/freezers/liquid nitrogen). Receiving samples in-house and travelling off site for retrieval of relevant material. Co-ordinating the dispatch of samples to other centres where required. Responsibility for all stored samples and management of the data associated with the collected material and other archival samples. Person specification Education/Qualifications Essential criteria Biomedical Science degree or equivalent Desirable criteria Participation in a recognised CPD scheme Technical qualification in pathology / histopathology Experience Essential criteria Have experience in a biological specimen coordinator role in clinical trial setting and demonstrable laboratory experience in the techniques listed in the job description Generic laboratory and histology expertise and knowledge/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 criteria Experience of training staff and supervising staff Skills Abilities/knowledge Essential criteria Good understanding of the Human Tissue Act Good level of English Language demonstrated through effective written and excellent verbal communication skills Knowledge of and interest in cancer research Ability to devise, implement and maintain meticulous records of sample tracking, experimental procedures and results. Ability to perform repetitive tasks High level of manual dexterity Ability to concentrate on tasks, on occasions for prolonged period Ability to work in restricted sitting or standing positions for substantial periods of time Excellent oral and written communication skills when dealing with all levels of administrative and clinical staff Excellent organisation and record keeping skills. Ability to prioritise own and junior staff workloads to meet various deadlines Ability to be highly organised and methodical in conducting work. Ability to work under pressure Sound IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Exel, Powerpoint or similar Desirable criteria Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills Good practical analytical skills Ability to motivate others Other Requirements Essential criteria Commitment to excellent service provision Prepared to visit theatre during surgical procedures to collect tissue/body fluids Prepared to work with biological materials such as tissue and body fluids on a daily basis. Be prepared for rare exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances 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 both sites 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 The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application Flu Vaccination - What We Expect of our Staff At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust. Employer certification / accreditation badges Applicant requirements The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.