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The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Cell Processing Technologist II

Job Profile Title
Resource Technologist B

Job Description Summary

At Penn, the Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility (CVPF) is a cellular manufacturing facility accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) and a CCI Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine shared resource.  The CVPF has two cellular manufacturing suites: one in the Ravdin Pavilion in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and a second in the Center for Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (CACT) in the South Pavilion Expansion of the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine.  CVPF manufactures cell immunotherapy products in support of many investigational new drug (IND) protocols and all products undergo rigorous quality testing prior to approval of release for infusion.  

Our vision is to produce high quality innovative cell therapies that advance the field and improve the lives of patients with unmet needs.  In 2014, Penn’s immunotherapy for leukemia was awarded the FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy designation.  In 2017, in an historic action the CAR-T therapy was the first cellular therapy approved by the FDA.  In 2018, CART-19 was also approved for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).  Penn is a center of excellence for immunotherapies and the CVPF continues to support the development of personalized cell and gene therapies.

Job Description

This position carries out day-to-day activities related to the manufacture of cell and gene therapy products at the Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility (CVPF) and Center for Advanced Cellular Therapies (CACT) of the University of Pennsylvania.  Working closely within a team of cell processing technologists, the focus of the role is cellular processing within an ISO Class 7 and 8 clean room environment.  Primary responsibilities include operating bioprocessing equipment, executing routine culture maintenance and following established Standard Operating Procedures. The role will also require stringent aseptic operations and accurate documentation following Good Documentation Practices.

Routine interaction with cell processing technologists, quality control scientists, quality assurance personnel, and additional support staff is necessary.  This position is an Essential University employee and is required to report to work in times of inclement weather and University closure.  Flexibility to work weekends is required.  It is possible that this position may include an alternate shift/work week.  A commitment of two years is expected in this role.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Cell Processing (I)

• Aseptic cell processing following established Standard Operating Procedures
• Accurate documentation following Good Documentation Practices
• Prepare cell processing materials, media, and raw materials required to perform cellular manufacturing processes.

Cellular Processing (II)

• Perform required daily maintenance of clinical cell cultures
• Perform cryopreservation of cell therapy products using a controlled-rate freezer

Cell Processing (III)

• Proficient operation of cell processing equipment, which may include Elutra, CliniMACS Plus, CellSaver5+ automated cell washer, LOVO, controlled rate freezer, biological safety cabinets, culture incubators, liquid nitrogen freezers, tubing welders and sealers and others as assigned.

Compliance

• Compliance with CVPF Quality Policy
• Accurate documentation of deviations and unexpected events
• Attendance at departmental meetings
• Remain current on required trainings for CVPF and University compliance

Other duties

• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related science and 3-5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.  A minimum of 18 months prior cell culture experience required.  Cell processing experience is preferred.  Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines is required.  Flexibility, Dedication, Accountability and Team-oriented interpersonal skills are essential in this position.  Position may require “off-standard hours” and “on-call” hours related to specific clinical trials, including some nighttime or weekend hours; may require overtime.

Working Conditions:

Office, library, computer room; Stockroom or warehouse; Requires extensive safety training; Exposure to chemicals; Requires protective devices; Alternative Work Schedules

Physical Effort:

Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 -50 lb.; Typically Standing or Walking; Typically bending, crouching, stooping; Intermittently sitting/standing/stooping; Using tools requiring high dexterity

This position is contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$42,953.00 - $77,315.00

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.