Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator

Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell; Harwell; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined-benefit pension scheme

Excellent holiday entitlement

Employee discounts

Cycle-to-work scheme

Job summary

A leading genetics research centre in Harwell is seeking a part-time Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator. This role involves packing and coordinating the shipment of biological materials globally, ensuring quality and accuracy in service. The ideal candidate will possess GCSE maths and English, excellent communication skills, and be a strong team player. You'll receive full training and have access to various employee benefits. The closing date for applications is 11 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in customer-facing activities or administrative tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-throughput service role.
• Understanding of IT packages and databases at an Intermediate level.

Responsibilities

• Pack biological samples before shipment, including packaging on dry ice.
• Liaise with investigators to coordinate sample dissemination.
• Build relationships with courier companies for safe deliveries.
• Maintain quality and accuracy of delivery services.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Detail-oriented

Team player

Intermediate IT skills

Education

GCSE maths and English

Job description

Join to apply for the Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator role at Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Hours: Part-Time (25 hours per week)

Contract Type: Open-Ended

About Us

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support several research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity at the Mary Lyon Centre to join our Laboratory Services team as our new Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator. This role will support Harwell’s standing as a national/international centre for mouse resources, co‑ordinating the exportation of biological materials to the scientific community around the world.

We are looking for someone who is a strong team player, customer focused, with excellent communication skills, and a keen eye for detail. This role will suit a person who has an aptitude to learn and the passion to grow, as full training and support will be provided.

Main Duties / Key Responsibilities

• Physically locating and packing biological samples before shipment (including packaging on dry ice and liquid nitrogen)
• Working with other members of staff dedicated to dissemination of resources and assisting them as and when necessary
• Liaising with investigators within the MRC and other universities/institutes to coordinate the dissemination of biological samples
• Building relationships and liaising with courier companies to ensure the safe delivery of shipments
• Ensuring that the quality and accuracy of our delivery services are maintained

About You

• GCSE maths and English
• Previous experience in an environment involving a wide range of outward-facing activities and/or administrative tasks
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-throughput service role
• Ability to understand/use IT packages and databases at an Intermediate level
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits, from a defined‑benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement, to employee shopping/travel discounts and a salary sacrifice cycle‑to‑work scheme. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of a world‑class medical research organisation.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on this exciting role and be part of a team dedicated to ground‑breaking research, we would love to hear from you. For full details and to apply: Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator - MLC 2758 - Medical Research Council. Please quote reference MLC 2758. The closing date for applications is 11 January 2026.