University of Pennsylvania·Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Coordinates the collection, processing, shipment, and storage of patient specimens for cancer clinical research trials. Manages communication between clinical project teams, labs, and sponsors while maintaining laboratory inventory and data systems.
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation.
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Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Job Description: Summary
The Biospecimen Coordinator supports the operations of the Biospecimen Lab for the Abramson Cancer Center Clinical Research Unit, under the direction of the Biospecimen Lab Manager. This role coordinates specimen collection, processing, shipment, storage, management, and communicating between clinical research project teams, the clinical lab, the clinical research unit, sponsors, and the research labs.
Primary responsibilities include the collection, tracking, processing, and shipping of patient specimens for cancer clinical research trials. Specimen types include blood, bone marrow, urine, stool, and tissue biopsies.
Central role in coordinating specimen collection, processing, shipment, storage, management, and communicating between clinical project teams, the clinical lab, the clinical research unit, sponsors, and the research labs.
Develop/manage schedules for sample collection on studies as appropriate.
Process samples as required by each protocol.
Coordinate transport of samples from the clinic to the research laboratory, or research laboratory to outside laboratory/sponsor.
Ship samples per protocol requirements.
Communication within the biospecimen team and with research teams (responding to email queries, keeping track of status updates on patient visits, informing study teams when there are questions or obstacles in sample workflow, keeping team members updated).
Laboratory hours are 7am to 7pm; work schedules may vary. This position is contingent on funding.
• Associate of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Clinical research experience and/or experience working as a laboratory technician are highly desirable. Must have effective communication skills as well as strong organizational skills. Flexible scheduling may be required.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
$21.76 - $25.00 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay [https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay]
Requires an Associate of Science degree and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Clinical research or laboratory technician experience is highly desirable.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, biospecimen coordinator roles are typically tied to clinical research, hospital, and laboratory settings where sample handling, documentation, and coordination must stay precise. These positions are competitive because employers often want an associate degree plus several years of experience, with clinical research or lab technician background especially valued. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then compare your sample-handling experience against the posting before applying.