Associate Director, Process Development

Overview

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. 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.

 

The Fred Hutch Therapeutic Products Program (TPP) Process Development (PD) group supports cell processing manufacturing activities for early-stage clinical trials and performs technology advancement and development around cell therapy processes such as selection, transduction, and ex-vivo expansion parameters of stem cells, T-cells, and B-cells. The PD team works closely with internal Fred Hutch investigators and external collaborators to establish manufacturing processes for Phase I/II clinical trials. The long-term objectives are to develop efficient, cost-effective, and scalable processes so that these life-saving therapies are brought to patients in need.

Under the guidance of the Sr. Director, Manufacturing Start-Up and the TPP Facility Director, the Associate Director of Process Development provides technical expertise and coordination to the TPP Process Development group as well as serves as a technical and scientific resource for the entire TPP organization. The position will ensure that development activities are well aligned with manufacturing needs, experiments are appropriately designed, and that results are effectively communicated to key stakeholders. The successful applicant will interact daily with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Management, QA/QC, and very frequently clinical trial sponsors, research scientists, and senior Fred Hutch faculty and administration. This position requires significant expertise in the cell and gene therapy field as well as experience with team management and developing leadership skills.

 

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.

Responsibilities

PRIMARY/ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Manage the daily activities of the Process Development (PD) team, ensuring high-quality execution of development projects, appropriate task delegation, and alignment with broader TPP goals.
• Oversee and support a team of scientists and associates, providing mentorship, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership in process design, experimental planning, execution, and data analysis. Lead by hands on example in the lab when needed and support junior staff through scientific troubleshooting and training.
• Work with the TPP Facility Director on departmental planning by identifying future capability needs and innovation opportunities.
• Partner with internal teams including Product Management, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, QA/QC, and external investigators to define project scope, ensure seamless tech transfer and enable clinical manufacturing.
• Maintain oversight of the PD lab space and equipment, ensure safety and compliance, and assist with capital equipment planning and resource allocation.
• Support the Sr. Director in resource planning, budget development, and timeline management. Track project pipelines, adjust priorities as needed, and ensure team workflows are organized, well-communicated, and aligned with institutional goals.
• Communicate results and project updates clearly to a range of stakeholders, contribute to scientific presentations and publications, and strengthen relationships across the institution and external collaborators.
• Other duties as assigned.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILI