Biospecimen Coordinator

Biospecimen Coordinator

The Biospecimen Coordinator supports cancer clinical research by coordinating the full lifecycle of patient specimens, including collection, processing, tracking, shipment, storage, and documentation. This role serves as a central communication hub between clinical research project teams, the clinical laboratory, the clinical research unit, sponsors, and research laboratories to ensure that all biospecimen activities align with study protocols and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the end-to-end lifecycle of patient specimens for cancer clinical research trials, including collection, tracking, processing, shipment, storage, and documentation.
• Collect, track, and manage patient specimens such as blood, bone marrow, urine, stool, and tissue biopsies according to study protocols.
• Manage and maintain schedules for specimen collection for assigned studies to ensure timely and accurate sampling.
• Process specimens as required by each protocol, following all specified procedures and timelines.
• Coordinate transport of specimens from the clinic to the research laboratory and from the research laboratory to external laboratories or sponsors.
• Ship specimens in accordance with protocol requirements, including appropriate packaging, labeling, documentation, and timing.
• Maintain clear and timely communication within the biospecimen team and with research teams, including responding to email queries and providing status updates on patient visits and specimen workflows.
• Inform study teams promptly when questions, issues, or obstacles arise in the specimen workflow and collaborate to resolve them.
• Perform laboratory and inventory management tasks, including unpacking and accessioning research kits and laboratory supplies.
• Monitor inventory of research kits and laboratory supplies, recycle expired kits, and return unused research kits to circulation as appropriate.
• Keep laboratory workspaces and storage areas organized, clean, and properly maintained.
• Maintain freezers and refrigerators used for specimen storage, ensuring appropriate conditions and organization.
• Maintain and update specimen inventory systems so that the status, location, and history of each specimen are accurately documented.
• Enter kit preparation and processing data into the LabVantage LIMS system in a timely and accurate manner.
• Record specimen processing and shipping information using Microsoft Excel or other designated tools.
• Retrieve relevant research study information from EPIC and use it to support accurate specimen handling and documentation.
• Handle biospecimen samples in a clinical setting, including blood and urine, with attention to safety, accuracy, and protocol compliance.
• Prepare specimens for shipment, including appropriate packaging, labeling, and documentation, and ensure they are shipped according to study and regulatory requirements.

Essential Skills:

• Hands-on experience working in a related role within a hospital or clinical setting handling biospecimen samples such as blood and urine.
• High School Diploma with at least 3 years of hands-on experience in a related hospital role, or
• Associate's degree with at least 1 year of hands-on experience in a related hospital role such as biospecimen processing, sample processing, phlebotomy, or veterinary technician work, or
• Bachelor's degree (BS) with an interest in gaining experience in a clinical research setting, including those considering medical school.
• Experience with biospecimen processing, including specimen collection, preparation, and processing.
• Experience with packing and shipping clinical or research specimens according to protocol requirements.
• Ability to follow detailed clinical research protocols and standard operating procedures for specimen handling.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple specimens, schedules, and inventory systems simultaneously.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel for recording and tracking specimen processing and shipping information.
• Ability to use or learn laboratory information management systems (LIMS), specifically LabVantage.
• Ability to retrieve and interpret research study information from clinical systems such as EPIC.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with biospecimen teams and research staff.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in specimen labeling, documentation, and data entry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Interest in clinical research and exposure to cancer clinical trials.
• Experience working with multiple specimen types, including blood, bone marrow, urine, stool, and tissue biopsies.
• Experience with laboratory inventory management, including research kit handling and supply monitoring.
• Familiarity with maintaining laboratory equipment such as freezers and refrigerators used for specimen storage.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with clinical and research teams.
• Motivation to gain experience in a clinical research environment, particularly for those considering future clinical or medical training.

Work Environment:

This role is primarily based in a laboratory environment within a cancer center, with frequent interaction with hospital facilities connected by an internal bridge. The Biospecimen Coordinator spends most of the time in a lab located in the cancer center, performing specimen processing, inventory management, and data entry. The role also involves walking to the hospital to pick up and drop off specimens and occasionally traveling to another laboratory on campus as needed. The work involves regular use of laboratory equipment such as freezers, refrigerators, and biospecimen processing tools, as well as computer systems including LabVantage LIMS, Microsoft Excel, and EPIC. The environment is structured, process-driven, and collaborative, with close coordination among clinical research staff, laboratory personnel, and sponsors to support ongoing cancer clinical trials.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Philadelphia, PA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $23.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Philadelphia, PA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.