Cellular Therapeutics Lab Assistant Supervisor

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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-h