Cell Therapy Processing Specialist II-Human Applications Lab
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
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 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.
Job description
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
- 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.
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.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in medical technology/medical laboratory sciences or biological, chemical or physical science
- 4+ years of relevant experience
- Prior experience with clinical lab techniques and procedures
- Experience engaging with all levels of hospital personnel and physicians
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Flexibility and adaptability with changing schedules and priorities
- Ability to work in teams
- Excellent mathematical, analytical, and technical dexterity
- Ability to function in a clean-room environment and sustain prolonged physical exertion
- Ability to move and connect liquid nitrogen source tanks
- Ability to remove internal components of biosafety cabinets for cleaning
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.