Biologics Development Associate II

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public

Therapeutics Discovery and Development

MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), the largest research-based Cancer Center in the nation, is taking a unique approach in the battle against cancer. It is well-known that MDACC is home to an esteemed academic faculty that cover all aspects of cancer research, publish prolifically in leading journals and present extensively at all major conferences. In addition MD Anderson boasts a vast oncology clinic that runs more clinical trials than any other institution and has created unparalleled capabilities is cell therapy trials. In between the basic science and the translation, MDACC has created a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: The Therapeutics Discovery and Development (TDD) Division. TDD eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allows the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

Biologics Product Development

Biologics, be it monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or cell therapies are complex therapeutics that are revolutionizing the treatment of cancer and yet are difficult to robustly develop and manufacture. To unlock the potential of these modalities MDACC is investing in Biologics Development capabilities within TDD accelerate the results we have already achieved, with multiple programs currently in clinical development. The goal will be to develop industrial biologics with a commercial horizon within the innovative environment of an academic cancer center. The group will be a composite of industry veterans who are interested in applying their experience to develop innovative therapeutics and see them impact patients, as well as academics looking to turn science into products. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively.

Biologics Development Associate II, Cell Therapy Process Development

The Biologics Development Associate II, cell therapy Process Development is a key talent reporting to the Associate Director cell therapy Process Development. The successful candidate will participate in the transformation and industrialization of cell therapy manufacturing processes with state of the art technologies. He/she will be expected to work independently or with minimal supervision and significantly contribute to the advancement of projects within a multidisciplinary team. The incumbent will support the development and optimization of novel cell therapy processes and participate in the laboratory execution of various cell therapy process development projects. The incumbent may be a key member of various project teams representing process development function.

Key responsibilities:

- Develops and coordinates the successful completion of assigned cell therapy process development project

- Plans, organizes and executes cell therapy lab activities and be responsible for maintaining proper supply inventory and ensure equipment is in order and available

- Provide support for process development and product characterization activities related to the development of several T-cell therapy products

- Works with team members to execute on assignments independently or under limited supervision

- Maintain technical proficiency of cell culture methodologies, cell isolation, cell expansion, viral transduction, harvest, and formulation, seeks new knowledge to assess new methodologies as needed

- Follow protocols or directions to execute cell therapy studies and accurately collect and organize data.

- Effectively troubleshoots technical issues; plans and implements resolutions to technical problems/issues as they arise

- Trains junior staff members on cell therapy processes and product characterization assays

- Maintain thorough accurate, legible, and organized written records.

- Present data to report on the status of the work performed in the laboratory and speak in front of group of scientists.

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience

Required: Two years of relevant experience. With Master's degree, no experience required.

Preferred:

- 3+ years of experience in process development of cell therapy and or other biologics modalities.

- Experience in PD laboratory operations with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and viral transduction

is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html