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Biologics Development Investigator

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Mar 10, 2022

View more

Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

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. The incumbent 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 incumbent 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


Core Values

Caring Behaviors
  • Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times
  • Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; Is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers

Integrity Behaviors
  • Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly
  • Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values
  • Safety: Notices a safety concern and brings it to someone's attention; Models safe behaviors (wears badge, washes hands, keeps work area clean and orderly)

Discovery Behaviors
  • Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas
  • Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.


Core Competencies
  • IC - Build Relationships:
    • Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and
    • Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.
  • IC - Provide Direction:
    • Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision;
    • Clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; and
    • Promote empowerment.
  • IC--Self-Adaptability:
    • Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.
  • IC--Innovative Thinking:
    • Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions, and/or options.
  • IC--Strategic Thinking:
    • Define strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.
  • IC--Self-Motivation:
    • Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Reaching

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Use computer/keyboard

EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Preferred: PhD in related scientific / engineering field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Three years of relevant experience. With Master's degree, one year of experience required. Preferreds: Experience in PD laboratory operations with tumor infilterating lymphocytes (TILs), and other cell therapies involving viral transduction.

Preferred:
  • Ph.D. in related scientific / engineering field.
  • Experience in process development of cell therapy or other biologics modalities.
  • Experience in a cell therapy and/or biologics field; Project leadership and managerial experience preferred.
  • Experience in PD laboratory operations developing processes on various cell manufacturing platforms and closed systems for for the development of T-cell therapy products
  • Strong knowledge in cell biology
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and a superior drive for results.
  • Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management and staff.
  • Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to operate as an effective tactical, as well as strategic thinker.
  • Ability to coach and influence junior level scientists and associates.


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

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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