Biological Specimen Coordinator

The Institute of Cancer Research; Sutton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension

Job summary

The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton seeks a Biological Specimen Coordinator to collect, catalogue and process clinical tissue samples, mainly tumour and blood, ensuring all procedures meet HTA and GCP standards. The role involves developing tracking systems and liaising with RM Tissue Collection Facility.

Based at the Sutton site with occasional travel to Chelsea, the post is a fixed-term, one-year contract with generous annual leave and pension benefits.

Qualifications

• BSc in biomedical sciences or equivalent.
• Experience with a range of laboratory molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge of FFPE samples and circulating plasma DNA is desirable.
• Experience handling clinical samples is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect, catalogue and process clinical samples (usually tumour and blood).
• Develop, implement and review tracking systems for all tissue samples.
• Ensure procedures meet HTA requirements and Good Clinical Practice regulations.
• Coordinate with colleagues across sites, including Chelsea for biopsy tissue collection.
• Complete duties in line with Drug Development Unit objectives at ICR.

Skills

Computer skills

Molecular biology techniques

FFPE samples knowledge

Circulating plasma DNA

Clinical samples handling

Education

BSc in biomedical sciences

Job description

Salary

£31,920 - £33,600 per annum, Commencement on the salary range is subject to comparable skills and experience.

Duration of Contract

Fixed Term for 12 months

Hours per week

35 hours per week (Full Time)

Location

Sutton

Closing Date

18th August 2026

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close the advert before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, we advise that you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Applications may be reviewed on application and not the closing of the role.

Key Requirements

The successful candidate must have a BSc. in biomedical sciences or equivalent and possess strong computer skills. Experience with range of laboratory molecularly biology techniques, knowledge of FFPE samples and circulating plasma DNA and experience handling clinical samples are desirable.

The post holder will work within the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and will have close interaction with staff from Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (RM) Tissue Collection Facility. The post holder will be responsible for collecting, cataloguing and processing clinical samples (usually tumour and blood specimens).

The post holder will be responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing tracking systems for all tissue 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 studies running through the Drug Development.

Our Biological Specimen Coordinator post is predominantly based on our Sutton site, but occasionally the post holder will occasionally need to travel to our Chelsea site for biopsy tissue collection. The appointment will be on a fixed term contract for one year in the first instance. This post also benefits from generous annual leave entitlement and a pension.

Department/Directorate Information

The Drug Development Unit is led by Professor Johann de Bono, comprises of clinicians, scientists, data and study management staff, and focuses on providing a seamless conduit between pre-clinical drug discovery, proof of principle Phase-1 clinical trials and tumour specific evaluation of novel agents. The Unit undertakes both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials of new anti-cancer drugs. The Unit is rapidly expanding and provides an excellent opportunity for the post holder to develop a variety of skillsets.

Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.

The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back - if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close the advert before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, we advise that you to submit your application, as early as possible to avoid disappointment.