Biologics Development Investigator

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.

Investigator, Cell Therapy Process Development
The investigator, cell therapy Process Development is a key talent being added to the cell therapy Process Development group. The successful candidate will lead the transformation and industrialization of cell therapy manufacturing processes with state of the art technologies. They will be a key member of various project teams representing process development function. He/she will be expected to work independently and lead projects in a multidisciplinary team. The incumbent will lead the development and optimization of novel cell therapy processes including but not limited to TIL and CAR-T. This candidate will support and lead the technology transfer of developed cell therapy processes to GMP mafanucturing.

Key responsibilities:

Coordinates Projects related to cell therapy development
- Leads process development projects assigned by CTMF leadership with the goal to implement and improve CAR-T, TILs and other T-cell therapies.
- Involved in initial assessment of various cell therapy projects to be brought to CTMF
- Design, Plan and execute experimental plan on process development to streamline the production of T-cell products for cancer immunotherapy
- Develops processes in alignement with regulatory rules and procedures applying to the generation and quality monitoring of cell therapy products to ensure rapid translation of developed procedures in the GMP lab
- Take initiatives of troueblshooting problems as they arise in the lab and share best practices and lessons learned with the team
- Provide technical assessment of various new cell therapy technologies and make recommendations on process decisions fo GMP implementation
- Execute project deliverables to meet timelines
- Maintain current knowledge of the field and introduce relevant materials to continuously improve the current processes
- Maintain thorough accurate, legible, and organized written records, and electronic records.
- Produce written protocols and reports. Prepare scientific presentations to report on the status of the work performed in the laboratory and speak in front of group of scientists and management.
- Communicates effectively with lab members, manufacturing, analytical development and regulatory affairs
- Interface with appropriate internal and external key stakeholders in partnerships

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Preferred; PhD in related scientific /engineering field

Experience

Required: Five years of relevant experience. With Master's degree, three years of required experience required.

Preferred: Experience in process development of cell therapy and or other biologics modalities.

It 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