Cell Therapy Specialist I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cellular Therapy Lab (CTL) at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center is on the cutting edge of new technologies for cancer therapy, including cell-based immunotherapy. We are committed to advancing treatment options for our patients through the translation of innovative research into clinical practice. We collaborate with our consortium partners (University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital) as well as industry (biotechnology) and non-industry external entities. CTL is responsible for all minimally manipulated therapeutic cell processing occurring at the Fred Hutch. Procedures range from cryopreservation to flow cytometric enumeration of cell proportions to more complex procedures such as cell selection, enrichment, and depletion. The laboratory is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cGTP/cGMP standards, maintains College of American Pathologists (CAP) certification, and is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.

Requirements

Four-year college degree with major in biological science or related degree
Basic hematology knowledge
Motivation and initiative to learn new scientific theory and applications
Mature judgment
Work independently with moderate supervision
Proven team player
Collaborate and communicate effectively across functions
Interpret data thoroughly
Strong trouble-shooting capabilities
Scientific writing skills, including preparation of clear, concise SOPs and technical reports
Strong math skills
Strong communication skills
Attention to detail
Flexibility in scheduling: night, weekend, holiday and on-call rotations
Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or a Bachelor's degree and equivalent education and training as defined in 42CFR493.1489(b)(3)(ii). Meets the CLIA education requirements for a high complexity testing
Advanced knowledge of oncology, hematology and/or immunology
Flow cytometry expertise
Immunotherapy experience
CliniMACS® operation experience
Surgical tech experience
LabWare LIMS knowledge
A good understanding of cGMP/cGTP standards
Proven record of completing projects efficiently and effectively

Responsibilities

Process cellular products/specimens according to standard operating procedure (SOP), and specific guidance for clinical trials, using aseptic technique
Perform and analyze results of quality control testing of components, including automated nucleated cell counts and flow cytometry
Document processing steps accurately, generate processing reports and prepare patient/donor laboratory charts; review processing reports and charts
Understand and stay current with SOPs as needed, and perform SOP qualifications.
Provide input/feedback to Lab Supervisor on documentation and process improvements
Thaw cryopreserved components and assist with infusion at the patient bedside
Meet unrelated donor (URD) component couriers and perform necessary testing and processing of components prior to release
Potentially assist with the bone marrow collection within operating rooms
Perform clinical trials processing: CliniMACS® cell selection e.g. CD34+ cell enrichment, CD3+ cell depletion
CAR-T therapy processing and cryopreservation