Job Description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2019 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of the Clinical Cell Therapy Associate position is to assist in the performance of complex, highly specialized and time sensitive technical cell manipulation and testing procedures on irreplaceable, life-saving cellular products used for treatment of cancer patients undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation and/or Cellular Therapy treatment.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Cell Manipulation and Processing
a. Performs basic technical cell manipulation and testing procedures on irreplaceable cellular products.
b. Assist in maintaining accurate documentation in compliance with FDA's Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Tissue practices regulations as well as standards set by other accreditation agencies including but not limited to FACT, FACT/Netcord, CAP, CLIA. Document deviations and events; notify supervisor, technical and quality management personnel in timely manner.
c. Maintain aseptic technique during processing of products to ensure the integrity, viability and sterility of cellular products until final infusion to the patient. Must adhere to special cleaning and gowning requirements for the facility.
d. Perform error free calculations, including, but not limited to infusion cell doses, viabilities, dilutions and cell concentrations.

Product monitoring, receiving, storage and retrieval
a. Adjust to a flexible schedule work schedule as laboratory processing is dependent on patient/donor conditions, product/sample availability, age of collected cells as well as procedural modifications required to adapt to variable nature of incoming cellular products/samples
b. Follow and adapt to procedures/policies implemented by internal or external study sponsors on various clinical trials that may differ from standard operating procedures of MDACC Cell Therapy Laboratory. Must adhere to all defined processing and documentation requirements for the clinical trial.
c. Utilize various computer systems and databases to enter, retrieve and compile data, complete patient laboratory records and prepare reports for review by laboratory directors, quality assurance and physicians.
d. Perform routine environmental monitoring in the GMP facility and equipment maintenance at designated time intervals. Participate in tracking and coordinating timely completion of equipment repairs and preventative maintenance by outside contractors or vendors.
e. Assist in maintaining accurate equipment list for the facility, maintenance schedule and organization of related records and documentation.
f. Participate in reviewing and evaluating monitoring alarm system reports and promptly notify appropriate laboratory supervisor or designee.

Transfer Technology
a. Perform quality control testing, equipment routine maintenance, basic and advanced troubleshooting. Stem cell products are unique, if equipment malfunctions during processing, technologist must be able to rescue product. Participate in process and quality improvement projects.
b. Assist in transfer of novel technologies from other institutions and companies, validation of procedures and equipment, training of technologists and writing Standard Operating procedures.
c. Communicate with physicians/investigators, nurses, donor coordinators, internal and external testing laboratories and/or transplant facilities to ensure timely quality patient care.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.

EXPERIENCE
Required: None.
Preferred: Two (2) years' experience as a Technician in a Laboratory with one of those in a GMP facility.

CERTIFICATION
Required: None.
Preferred: Certified Medical Technologist (MT) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologist

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information
* Requisition ID: 137982
* Employment Status: Full-Time
* Employee Status: Regular
* FLSA: non-exempt, eligible for overtime, and is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
* Work Week: Day/Evening
* Fund Type: Hard
* Pivotal Position: No
* Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 35,000
* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 52,500
* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 70,000
* Science Jobs: No