Biological Specimen Coordinator

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

• To ensure the timely and efficient collection of samples
• To ensure accurate labelling of samples
• To ensure that the work is carried out in line with laboratory Manuals, protocols, Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental and National Policies (The Human Tissue Act)
• To freeze tissue at -80oC or in liquid nitrogen (training will be provided)
• To process tissue and blood samples as required e.g. Separating plasma and cells
• To send samples, sometimes using dry ice as requested via external courier services
• To work semi-independently across both sites to ensure timely collection of samples for use by the research team.
• To liaise with scientists and clinicians between the RMHNHST and the ICR

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject
• Able to follow departmental and Standard Operational Procedures and Departmental

Desirable criteria

• Technical qualification in pathology/ histopathology
• Knowledge of, and interest in, cancer research

Experience

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment (preferably within a clinical/ hospital setting)
• Experience of database management

Skills / Abilities / knowledge

Desirable criteria

• Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills

Other Requirements

Essential criteria

• 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

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

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

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.

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