Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator

View Vacancy -- Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator - MLC 2758

Open Date

15/12/2025, 11:50

Close Date

11/01/2026, 23:55

Research Institute MRC Mary Lyon Centre

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.

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Research Institute / Unit Information 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 a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found i.org

Band MRC - 5

Location Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire

Contract Type Permanent

Job Type Technical & Scientific Professionals

Full Time / Part Time Part Time

25

Job Description

Overall purpose:

The Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator role will support Harwell’s standing as a national/international centre for mouse resources. Our clients include an extensive network of UK collaborators and overseas clients. The primary function of this role will be to coordinate the exportation of biological materials to the scientific community around the world.

The post-holder will work within the Laboratory Services team and will work closely with other departments to maximise operational efficiency.

Experience with in an outward-facing environment, customer service or administration role would be ideal. 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. The post-holder will need to be a team player, customer focused, possess excellent communication skills, and have a keen eye for detail.

Main Duties/

Key Responsibilities:

Working within a team environment at the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC), Harwell, the post-holder’s principal responsibility will be to support the processes involved in shipping biological samples from MRC Harwell.

• 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
• Verifying the details of shipments being sent out
• 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
• Other inventory management tasks

Working Relationships:

The post-holder will report directly to the Head of Laboratory Services and will be expected to develop and maintain good working relationships with other departments, as well as scientific staff at all levels, to optimise information flow and understanding of all requirements.

The post-holder will also need to independently develop professional working relationships with clients and shipping organisations.

Other Information:

The post-holder is expected to play an active role in improving the effectivity and efficiency of biological sampling management and coordinating the exchange of resources between MRC Harwell and the wider scientific community.

This post is suited to someone who is a committed team player and who is flexible and happy to embrace work at all levels. They should also be prepared to interact with a wide variety of people to bring projects to a successful conclusion within the required timeframe.

Person…