Aseptic Manufacturing Technician I - Day Shift B [Contract to Hire]

Iovance Biotherapeutics•Philadelphia, PA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Iovance Biotherapeutics is an immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). The Aseptic Manufacturing Technician I role is crucial for the autologous cell therapy manufacturing program, requiring a broad understanding of theories, techniques, and principles to support manufacturing processes. This position primarily involves suite preparation for cell processing, material transfer, environmental monitoring, BSC runner duties, final product inspection, and final product cryopreservation in controlled rate freezers, for commercial and clinical use. The role works across different shifts and may require overtime, weekends, and holidays to ensure manufacturing completion. Onboarding training will initially be during regular weekday hours, but technicians will be assigned to shifts including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Minimum 0-1 year of experience in biopharmaceutical-based GMP manufacturing operations.
Must be able to read, write and understand English especially for Good Documentation Practices.
Proficiency in Microsoft (Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams).
Ability to accurately and reproducibly perform arithmetic calculations including fractions, decimals and percentages and basic algebraic and geometric calculations.
May work on moderately complex assignments, requiring judgment to resolve operational issues without negatively impacting manufacturing efforts.
Quality mindset, familiar with 21 CFR Part 11 and standard GxP best practices and FDA regulations.
Ability to build relationships quickly and credibly.
Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced team-oriented environment and manage constant change.
Must be able to wear appropriate cleanroom attire and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e., scrubs, gowning coveralls, masks, gloves, etc.
Must meet requirements for and be able to wear a half-faced respirator for use of hazardous chemicals.
Able to stand and/or walk 90% (and sit 10%) within your scheduled workday, which may include climbing ladders or steps.
Able to crouch, bend, twist, reach, and perform activities with repetitive motions.
Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 pounds.
For the Visual Inspection Program, the technician must be able to pass a Vision Exam that includes the following: Must not be color blind, Must have 20/20 near vision in both eyes (can be corrected), Clarity of vision at near and mid-range, depth perception, and ability to identify and distinguish colors may be given a visual exam for visual acuity and color perception.

Nice To Haves

Background in cell culture, aseptic gowning and qualifications, as well as ISO class 5 (Grade A) cleanroom operations is strongly desired.
Experience in aseptic technique, aseptic liquid transfers, use of welders and sealers, BSC aseptic operations and associated downstream processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop a comprehensive understanding of and be able to proficiently execute Iovance’s GMP cell therapy manufacturing process(es).
Complete training sessions and ensure training documentation is maintained.
Understand and comply with quality standards and requirements as documented.
Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Provide operational support functions including: Materials stocking and transfer, Kit preparation, Room readiness, Equipment cleaning activities, And inventory transactions using electronic inventory systems.
Perform material transfer.
Handle tumor receipt.
Execute Chain of Information/Chain of Custody transactions.
Manage material incubation.
Perform feeder cell retrieval from liquid nitrogen (LN2) tanks.
Able to perform final product visual inspection.
Perform final product cryopreservation in controlled rate freezers.
Perform biosafety cabinet (BSC) runner duties as assigned.
Conduct balance weight checks and operation.
Operate liquid repeater pump.
Operate tube sealers and welders.
Utilize incubator for cell culture.
Perform in-suite environmental monitoring during the day of process.
Perform document Environmental Monitoring duties using sample management electronic system.
Able to train, pass and maintain gowning qualification.
Perform logbook review.
Attend the daily Tier 1 meeting and escalate issues/concerns at that forum to Area Management for further investigation.
Ability to work in a team environment and independently as required.
Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
Must comply with Safety SOPs, SDS sheets, and laboratory procedures per company policy and OSHA regulations.
Adherence to production schedule while maintaining internal production priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.