Cell Therapy Specialist II

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

The Cellular Therapy Lab (CTL) at the Fred Hutchinson 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 for standard therapies, clinical trials and commercial cell therapeutics. Procedures range from cryopreservation to flow cytometric enumeration of cell proportions to more complex procedures such as cell selections, including enrichment and depletion. The laboratory is regulated by the FDA cGTP/cGMP standards, maintains College of American Pathologists (CAP) certification, and is accredited by the Joint Commission and FACT.

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

• Participate in the training process of newer, less experienced CTL Specialists

• Perform competency assessments as applicable

• 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

Perform special processing:

• CliniMACS cell selection e.g. CD34+ cell enrichment, CD3+ cell depletion

• Potentially assist with the bone marrow collection within operating room

Qualifications

Required:

• Four-year college degree with major in medical technology or biological sciences

• 2+ years clinical cell therapy experience

• Basic hematology knowledge

• Motivation and initiative to learn new scientific theory and applications

• Mature judgment

• Work independently with regular review of progress and results

• 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 and holiday rotations

Preferred:

• Flow cytometry expertise

• Immunotherapy experience

• CliniMACS operation experience

• LabWare, LIMS knowledge

• A good understanding of cGMP/cGTP standards

• Knowledge of FDA, FACT and CAP regulations.

• Valid Washington State driver's license strongly preferred.

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $38.67 to $57.99 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).

Our Commitment to Diversity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.