The Institute of Cancer Research
Biological Specimen Coordinator
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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: 25th August 2026
About the Role
Under the leadership of Professor Johann de Bono, we are seeking to appoint a Biological Specimen Coordinator to join The Drug Development Unit (DDU), within the ICR and Royal Marsden, undertakes industry-sponsored early phase clinical trials of new anticancer drugs. We are a world class clinical trials unit with a dedicated ward within the Royal Marsden Hospital for the development of novel cancer therapeutics which we believe will improve the care of cancer patients.
Key Requirements
The successful candidate must have a BSc. in biomedical sciences or equivalent and possess strong computer skills. Experience with a range of laboratory molecular 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.
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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.
How to Apply
To apply for this post, please submit an online application including a supporting statement, detailing reasons why you are applying for the post and with your CV. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role.
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 submit your application, as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
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.
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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, please click here to find out further information.
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. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.
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.
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