Cell Therapy Processing Specialist 2 - Human Applications Lab

Join the Human Applications (Cellular Therapy) Laboratory and become part of a dedicated team with a shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

The Human Applications Cellular Therapy Laboratory (HAL) supports the Departments of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, and Oncology (Neuro-Oncology and Solid Tumor services) by providing products for patients enrolled in investigator-initiated clinical research protocols. The laboratory is actively engaged with many treatment protocols for cancer and genetic diseases, using primary hematopoietic graft products and genetically modified products for sickle cell disease and CAR T-Cell therapy applications. The HAL is composed of two sections, the Quality Control Section providing product analysis by flow cytometry, product quality testing for sterility, and facility environmental monitoring and the Cell Therapy Processing Section providing cellular therapy product processing in accordance with good tissue practices and good manufacturing practices, product infusions and product transfer / shipping.

In support of our mission to find cures and save children, we are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated professional to join the Cell Therapy Processing Section as a Specialist II. The Cell Processing Specialist II will be responsible for performing complex, highly specialized technical processing procedures, using aseptic technique and maintaining attention to detail for technical and documentation functions. Cellular therapy laboratory experience, flexibility, teamwork, and good communication skills are essential for this position.

Routine schedule is Monday through Friday day shift with flexibility to evening shift due to the variable nature of incoming cellular products and associated procedures.(Rotates on-call coverage approximately once every six weeks.)

Responsibilities:

The Cell Therapy Processing Specialist II is expected to perform as follow:

• Performs cellular therapy processing and cryopreservation procedures in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures in an accurate and timely manner.
• Participates in maintaining accurate documentation in compliance with FDA’s Good Tissue Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices regulations, as well as standards including but not limited to FACT, CAP and AABB.
• Demonstrate workflow organizational skills and good time management skills.
• Reviews processing record for acceptability, accuracy, and completeness.
• Serves as a resource for documentation related questions and applications in accordance with regulations, SOPs, and established laboratory practices.
• Performs reagent and instrument quality control at the appropriate intervals, interprets and correctly records results.
• Participates in equipment qualification and procedure validation applications.
• Serves as a resource for troubleshooting guidelines.
• Become familiar with the processing and dose requirements for all transplant related protocols at SJCRH.
• Assists in maintaining coverage in the laboratory to promote optimal workflow.

Additionally, the selected candidate will have the following skills and abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability with changing schedules and priorities.
• Ability to work in teams and effectively communicate transitions in work processes.
• Excellent mathematical skill, analytical skill, and technical dexterity.
• Ability to function in a clean-room environment and sustain prolonged physical exertion.

• Liquid nitrogen tanks are used for cell cryopreservation frequently and the ability to move and connect LN2 source tanks.
• Biosafety cabinets are cleaned monthly; therefore, the ability to remove internal components for cleaning is necessary.

  Minimum Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (e.g., medical technology/medical laboratory sciences or biological, chemical or physical science) required. 
• Master's degree preferred. 

Minimum Experience:

• 4+ years of relevant experience required. 
• Experience Exceptions: Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. 
• Prior experience with clinical lab techniques and procedures. 
• Experience engaging with all levels of hospital personnel and physicians to coordinate section activities and exchange technical/sensitive information. 
• Proven performance in an earlier role. 

Other Credentials:  

Certification as a Medical Technologist by ASCP, NCA, or AMT preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $31.50 - $55.00 per hour for the role of Cell Therapy Processing Specialist II-Human Applications Lab.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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