Cell Therapy Specialist II

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. 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.

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.

This position will be full-time, Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30am-6pm. During the initial training period, the schedule will be Monday-Friday from 9:30am-6pm.

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 Technologists
• 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

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
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Preferred:

• Flow cytometry expertise
• Immunotherapy experience
• CliniMACS operation experience
• LabWare, LIMS knowledge
• A good understanding of cGMP/cGTP standards

The hourly pay range for this position is from $40.62 to $60.92 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the US and not require sponsorship now or in the future.

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).