Specialty Lab Tech (Cell Therapy) – Temporary

Purpose:

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is looking to add a Temporary Laboratory Scientist to our IMCPL team!

In this role, you will assure compliance with the UPMC mission and values for providing service excellence. Provide authority, responsibility and accountability for the accurate performance of laboratory testing, and processing of a routine and advanced nature.

These assays and processes are used in the manufacture of cellular therapy products intended to treat patients under IND, specifically for the IMCPL TIL program. You will apply competent technical knowledge to achieve high-quality cellular products using highly sophisticated techniques and advanced instrumentation.    

Responsibilities:

• All duties of a Medical Technologist.
• Follow cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) guidelines in the production of cellular products. Able to competently perform testing in a minimum of 85% of the available test systems / workstations of the assigned technical area.  Preferable to be proficient in 100%.
• Perform specialized tasks which may include cellular product manufacture, tissue processing, cell culture maintenance, leukapheresis processing, blood processing and cryopreservation, in-process testing (ELISA, flow cytometry, cell sorting, viral titer, cytokine production, mycoplasma and endotoxin testing) and immune monitoring. 
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert performance in at least one technical section in the assigned department.
• Acts as a consultative resource for new employees. Mentors new hires as assigned.
• Maintains a solid/strong or higher rating (preferred) during annual Performance Appraisals, with no Marginal ratings.  No corrective actions active.
• Able to assume additional responsibilities as requested by the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager, or Director.
• Completes assigned projects in a timely manner.
• Perform all responsibilities according to the philosophy of the UPMC Health System such that the needs of our customers are fulfilled.  
• Interact with all laboratory customers courteously and professionally. 
• Adhere to established laboratory and hospital policies in areas of procedures, protocols, methods, quality control, quality assurance, safety, compliance and personnel policies. 
• Collect background information for testing/experiments/production; initiate paperwork, perform test set-up; work area, and equipment. 
• Calculate and analyze assay/test results and quality control information.  Investigate abnormal results according to established protocols. 
• Maintain detailed laboratory documentation of all assays and processes performed as per GDP (good documentation practices) guidelines.  
• Implement all quality controls to ensure assay and process validity; adhere to departmental safety standards in responsibly handling, processing and testing specimens and materials. 
• Use reagents and supplies in a cost-effective manner; monitor and maintain an appropriate supply inventory. 
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships. 
• Participate in laboratory competency assessments and proficiencies as required. 
• Enter accurate demographic and processing information into designated database system. 
• Generate and revise existing laboratory documentation.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.