Cell Therapy Processing Specialist

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life-changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care, united in the mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases.

About the role

The Cell Therapy Processing Specialist I will receive on-the-job training to perform a variety of tasks ensuring the highest quality products for patients undergoing stem cell transplant and other cellular therapies. Staff rotate on-call coverage for alarms during evenings, nights, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Cell Processing
  • Process minimally manipulated clinical human therapeutic cellular products using manual and/or automated aseptic techniques in a regulated clean room environment according to standard operating procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Achieve and maintain competency in routine procedures including cryopreservation/thawing, centrifugation/washing, handling of genetically modified cells, labeling, and transportation.
  • Review and evaluate test results for acceptability, including automated and manual cell counts, viability results, flow cytometry histograms, and sterility testing results.
  • Identify and escalate problems related to product processing and quality data; appropriately communicate outcomes.
• Equipment
  • Perform quality checks and cleaning of equipment and instrumentation.
  • Identify the need for repair or referral as required.
  • Respond to REES alarm system alerts and document corrective action.
  • Participate in validation of new instruments.
• QA/Regulatory Duties
  • Work within cGMP and cGTP guidelines and adhere to all regulatory standards within the Cell Manipulation Core Facility.

Requirements

• Ability to learn to perform routine cell processing for all allogeneic and autologous products.
• Apply critical decision-making skills, good judgment, and attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with other healthcare providers involved in patient care.
• Continually upgrade job skills and work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capable of working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and producing accurate results within strict time constraints.
• Ability to adapt to changing technology and perform complex mathematical calculations using scientific notation.
• Knowledge of lab safety, infection control, and clinical/research GCP.
• Familiarity with operation and performance of basic lab equipment (e.g., centrifuge, microscopes, program freezers).

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: BS/BA in Biological Science, Medical Technology, or related field preferred. Associate Degree in a related science with MLT and clinical lab experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum Experience: Clinical lab experience preferred. One year in a clinical laboratory setting required with an Associate Degree.
• License/Certification/Registration: Medical Lab Technician (MLT) certification required with an Associate Degree.

Pay

$68,200.00 - $76,500.00