Cell Therapy Specialist II

About the Organization

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, with network affiliations across five states. The Cellular Therapy Lab (CTL) at Fred Hutch is at the cutting edge of new technologies for cancer therapy, including cell-based immunotherapy, and is responsible for all minimally manipulated therapeutic cell processing. The lab is regulated by FDA cGTP/cGMP standards, maintains College of American Pathologists (CAP) certification, and is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (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.
• 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 bone marrow collection within the operating room.

Requirements

• Four-year college degree with a major in medical technology or biological sciences.
• 2+ years of clinical cell therapy experience.
• Basic hematology knowledge.
• Motivation and initiative to learn new scientific theory and applications.
• Mature judgment and ability to work independently with regular review of progress and results.
• Proven team player with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across functions.
• Strong ability to interpret data thoroughly and troubleshoot effectively.
• Scientific writing skills, including preparation of clear, concise SOPs and technical reports.
• Strong math and communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Flexibility in scheduling, including night, weekend, and holiday rotations.
• Ability to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science from an accredited institution, or equivalent education and training as defined in 42 CFR 493.1489(b)(3)(ii).
• Meets the CLIA education requirements for high complexity testing.
• Flow cytometry expertise.
• Immunotherapy experience.
• CliniMACS® operation experience.
• LabWare LIMS knowledge.
• A good understanding of cGMP/cGTP standards.

Pay

The hourly pay range for this position is from $40.62 to $60.92, based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Schedule

This position is full-time, Tuesday through Saturday. Flexibility is required, as there could be night, weekend, and holiday rotations.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Family life support and 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).