Cell Therapy Specialist I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

13d

About The Position

The Cellular Therapy Lab (CTL) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center processes minimally manipulated therapeutic cells, supporting the translation of innovative research into clinical practice. The lab collaborates with the University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, biotechnology companies, and other external partners. Its procedures range from cryopreservation and flow cytometric cell enumeration to cell selection, enrichment, and depletion. The laboratory operates under FDA cGTP/cGMP standards, maintains College of American Pathologists certification, and is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. The Cell Therapy Specialist I processes clinical products and specimens, performs quality-control testing, documents processing activities, and supports clinical-trial procedures. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Flexibility is required for possible night, weekend, holiday, and on-call rotations. The hourly pay range is $39.66 to $59.47, based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Four-year college degree with a major in biological science or a related field.
Basic hematology knowledge.
Motivation and initiative to learn new scientific theory and applications.
Mature judgment and ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player and collaborate and communicate effectively across functions.
Ability to interpret data thoroughly and troubleshoot effectively.
Scientific writing skills, including preparation of clear, concise SOPs and technical reports.
Strong math and communication skills, and attention to detail.
Flexibility to work night, weekend, holiday, and on-call rotations.
Ability to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with equivalent education and training as defined in 42 CFR 493.1489(b)(3)(ii).
Meets CLIA education requirements for high-complexity testing.
Advanced knowledge of oncology, hematology, and/or immunology.
Flow cytometry expertise.
Immunotherapy experience.
CliniMACS® operation experience.
Surgical technician experience.
LabWare LIMS knowledge.
Good understanding of cGMP/cGTP standards.
Proven record of completing projects efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities

Process cellular products and specimens according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and clinical-trial guidance, using aseptic technique.
Perform and analyze quality-control testing of components, including automated nucleated cell counts and flow cytometry.
Accurately document processing steps, generate processing reports, and prepare patient and donor laboratory charts; review reports and charts.
Stay current with SOPs, complete SOP qualifications, and provide the Lab Supervisor with input on documentation and process improvements.
Thaw cryopreserved components and assist with infusion at the patient bedside.
Meet unrelated donor component couriers and perform required component testing and processing before release.
Potentially assist with bone marrow collection in operating rooms.
Perform clinical-trial processing, including CliniMACS® cell selection such as CD34+ cell enrichment and CD3+ cell depletion, and CAR-T therapy processing and cryopreservation.