Cellular Therapy Lab Assistant Supervisor

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, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

 

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

 

The Cellular Therapy Lab (CTL) at Fred Hutch is one of the largest cell therapy facilities in the United States and is on the cutting edge of new technologies for cancer therapy, including cell-based immunotherapy. We are committed to advancing treatment options for our patients through the translation of innovative research into clinical practice. We collaborate with our Alliance members (University of Washington, Fred Hutch, and Seattle Children's Hospital) as well as corporate entities.

CTL is responsible for all minimally manipulated therapeutic cell processing occurring at Fred Hutch. Procedures range from cryopreservation and flow cytometric enumeration of cell proportions to more complex procedures such as cell selection, enrichment, and depletion. The laboratory is regulated by the FDA cGTP/cGMP standards, maintains CAP certification, and is accredited by the Joint Commission and FACT.

The CTL Assistant Supervisor is a key position, responsible for the oversight of cell processing and staff within the CTL. The position collaborates with other department supervisors and reports to the Assistant Manager. Regular interactions with medical, scientific and quality staff provide a stimulating and diverse environment.

The nature of this work is challenging and we are seeking a highly motivated individual with initiative, subject matter expertise, leadership and team work experience. The work requires mature judgment, decision-making capability and outstanding communication skills. Effective cross-functional collaboration with other departments at Fred Hutch and with external organizations is necessary to the position. This includes being comfortable and conversant with clinical issues: able to interact with clinical peers/counterparts. Flexibility in scheduling is required. Some patient contact is required when assisting with thawing and infusion of cryopreserved cells.

• Assign tasks to CTL Technologists, and adjust as needed, to ensure that all required lab functions are being performed.
• Monitor staff to ensure they are adhering to regulatory and operational procedures.
• Address and resolve technical or procedural problems and advise technologists on the proper course of action.
• Perform technologist and coordinator duties, as needed.
• Orient, train, and mentor laboratory personnel. 
• Evaluate laboratory personnel for continued competency.
• Conduct staff performance reviews. Implement, monitor, and manage performance improvement plans as required. 
• Assist in recruiting and hiring of laboratory personnel.
• Perform chart review and facilitate chart discussions between lab staff and the Quality Assurance (QA) Department.
• Enter and review variances and execute corrective and preventative actions in collaboration with the QA Department.
• Write new, and revise existing, standard operating procedures.
• Assist in the development of new lab processes and the selection of new laboratory equipment and materials.
• Lead validations and qualifications for equipment, materials and processes. 
• Take ownership for the coordination and execution of projects that support Continuous Process Improvement (CPI).
• Interact and communicate effectively with the Medical Director and Scientific Director to assist in non-standard processes.
• Represent the CTL at departmental and organizational meetings.
• Serve as Supervisor On-call, on a rotating basis, for issues that arise after-hours and on weekends. 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science or other bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in the field of cellular therapeutics
• Three years experience in cell processing, or five years experience in a clinical lab, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Exemplary communication skills.
• Mature judgment with strong decision making skills.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to take initiative and multi-task.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to alternate between being a leader and a team player.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate and be accountable.
• Comfortable working and leading in a changing environment.
• Ability to identify and communicate priorities.
• Ability to navigate through, but not avoid, conflict.
• Ability to deal with complex problems and propose creative solutions.
• Desire to continually learn and to teach those around you.
• Flexibility in scheduling.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science or other bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience in the field of cellular therapeutics
• Valid Washington State driver's license strongly preferred. Certification in medical terminology.
• A minimum of two years’ supervisory experience in a complex laboratory setting preferred.
• Experience with laboratory information systems, specifically LabWare.
• Advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Biotechnology or other industry scientific laboratory experience.
• Hematology, oncology and/or immunology knowledge.
• Knowledge of FDA, FACT and CAP regulations.

 

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

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The annual base salary range for this position is from $102,419 to $161,865 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.  

 

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

 

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, 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), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.