Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead. This crucial role requires oversight of the Cellular Therapy Lab, including managing lab workflow and personnel. Candidates must conduct release testing for products adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Phase I clinical trials, perform various assays to support research, and lead the validation and optimization of laboratory protocols. Additional responsibilities include immune monitoring, data analysis, and the maintenance of essential lab equipment and inventory. The position demands a Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Medical Biotechnology, Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology, plus four years of relevant experience, or alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with six years of experience. Interested applicants should submit their resume to aphuong@childrensnational.org, referencing code CTLL.
Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead – Washington D.C. Opportunity
Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead a laboratory at one of the nation’s premier medical centers? The role of a Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to groundbreaking medical research while overseeing the daily operations of a state-of-the-art laboratory. This professional role demands a blend of scientific acumen, leadership skills, and meticulous attention to compliance and safety standards.
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Overview of the Opportunity
Children’s National Medical Center is on the lookout for a qualified individual to take on the role of Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead. This position requires a dedicated professional capable of managing the entire lab workflow, performing advanced assays, and ensuring the lab adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) specifically for Phase I Clinical trials.
Job Duties
The responsibilities of the Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead are broad and critical. Here are the main duties:
- Overseeing Lab Functioning and Personnel Management: The lead is responsible for managing the workflow and personnel within the lab to ensure all activities run smoothly.
- Performing Release Testing: All products manufactured must adhere to GMP standards for Phase I Clinical trials.
- Assay Performance: Routine performance of assays such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Luminex, cytotoxicity assays, and epitope mapping is required.
- Studies and Validation: Lead validation and optimization studies to improve current protocols or introduce new assays necessary for release testing.
- Sample Banking: Bank samples from patients for immune monitoring.
- Data Analysis and Presentation: Perform relevant data analysis and present the team’s work at quarterly and annual meetings.
- Inventory Management: Manage supplies, reagents, and key equipment.
- Documentation: Write standard operating procedures and validation plans.
- Communication Facilitation: Facilitate communication between various teams and report to higher management.
- Part-time Telecommuting: Some of the job responsibilities allow for telecommuting, offering some flexibility.
Job Requirements
The educational and experiential requirements for the position are stringent but necessary to ensure that only the most qualified individuals apply.
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Educational Background:
- A Master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Medical Biotechnology, Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology.
- Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in these fields plus six years of experience in a biological technician occupation.
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Experience Requirements:
- One year of experience in cell culture.
- One year of experience working in a GMP or clinical lab environment.
Work Location: The position is based at 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their resume or curriculum vitae to aphuong@childrensnational.org, referencing code CTLL.
Importance of Cell Therapy
Cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking field within medical research, heralding a new era in treating various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and regenerative medicine. The Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead plays a pivotal role in this environment, directly impacting the advancement of medical science.
What is Cell Therapy?
Cell therapy involves the administration of living cells to a patient to achieve a therapeutic effect. This can include cellular regeneration, immune response enhancement, or the replacement of dysfunctional cells with functional ones.
Role of GMP in Cell Therapy
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are essential in ensuring that medical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. In cell therapy laboratories, GMP compliance is critical as it guarantees the safety and efficacy of cell-based products used in clinical trials.
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Skills and Competencies
The role of Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead requires a unique set of skills to manage the laboratory effectively and contribute to the advancement of cellular therapy research.
Technical Skills
A thorough understanding of and competency in various biological assays are imperative. This includes:
- Flow Cytometry: A biophysical technology employed in cell counting, cell sorting, biomarker detection, and protein engineering.
- Immunofluorescence: A technique used for light microscopy with a fluorescence microscope and is used primarily on microbiological samples.
- Luminex: A multiplex assay technology that simultaneously measures multiple proteins and nucleic acids in a single microplate well.
- Cytotoxicity Assays: Tests that determine the degree to which a compound can damage or kill cells.
- Epitope Mapping: Identifying the binding sites of antibodies on antigens which is essential for vaccine development, antibody therapy, and diagnostics.
Management and Interpersonal Skills
Managing a laboratory involves more than just technical expertise. The lead must also possess:
- Personnel management: The ability to oversee laboratory staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
- Inventory management: Ensuring that the lab has all the necessary supplies and equipment and that these are well-maintained.
- Data analysis and presentation: Proficiency in analyzing data and effectively presenting results to a scientific audience.
- Communication: Facilitating clear and effective communication between teams and with higher management.
Organizational Skills
Given the complexity and scope of the job, excellent organizational skills are non-negotiable. This includes maintaining detailed records of all procedures, data, and communications, as well as staying up-to-date with advancements in cell therapy and GMP standards.
Organizational Structure and Team Dynamics
The Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead operates within a dynamic organizational structure at Children’s National Medical Center. Understanding the hierarchy and team dynamics is key to fulfilling the role effectively.
Team Collaboration
The lead will work closely with a variety of teams including:
- Research Scientists: To design and conduct experiments.
- Clinical Trial Coordinators: To ensure that lab activities align with clinical trial requirements.
- Regulatory Affairs: To maintain compliance with federal and institutional guidelines.
- Upper Management: To report findings and progress and align laboratory goals with institutional objectives.
Facilitating Communication
One of the key responsibilities is to facilitate communication between these teams, ensuring that information flows seamlessly and efficiently. Effective communication allows for quicker problem-solving and innovation, contributing to the lab’s success.
Benefits and Opportunities
Children’s National Medical Center not only offers a valuable professional opportunity but also provides a host of benefits to support its employees.
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Employees can expect a competitive salary commensurate with their experience and qualifications, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Professional Development
The role offers numerous opportunities for professional development:
- Continuing Education: Opportunities for attending conferences, workshops, and further education courses.
- Research Opportunities: Engaging in cutting-edge research offers unparalleled growth and learning experiences.
- Career Advancement: Demonstrating success in this role can open doors to higher management positions and specialized roles within the medical field.
Work-Life Balance
Part-time telecommuting is an option, allowing for flexibility in managing personal and professional responsibilities. This promotes a healthy work-life balance which is essential for long-term career satisfaction.
Application and Next Steps
Interested applicants should prepare a detailed application, focusing on their relevant experience and skills. Here’s a concise guide for preparing your application:
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Ensure your resume or CV includes:
- Educational Background: List all relevant degrees, certifications, and qualifications.
- Work Experience: Detail all relevant work experience, particularly focusing on roles in cell culture and GMP-compliant environments.
- Skills: Highlight technical skills such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and data analysis.
- Achievements: Include any significant achievements, such as successful research projects, published papers, or presentations at conferences.
Cover Letter
Your cover letter should:
- Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Summarize your relevant experience and how it aligns with the job requirements.
- Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for cell therapy and your commitment to contributing to the success of Children’s National Medical Center.
Once your application is ready, send it to aphuong@childrensnational.org with reference code CTLL. Additionally, you can apply directly through the available job listings and ensure you sign up for job alerts to stay informed about similar opportunities.
Conclusion
The position of Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for professionals in the field of medical biotechnology, biology, immunology, biochemistry, or molecular biology. This role not only involves managing a high-stakes laboratory but also contributing to pioneering research that can have a profound impact on patient care and medical advancements. By fostering innovation, ensuring compliance, and leading a team of skilled professionals, the Cell Therapy Laboratory Lead plays an indispensable role in the advancement of medical science.
For those who meet the qualifications and are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities this role offers, this could be the defining moment in a highly impactful career. Ensure your application reflects your qualifications, experience, and passion for the field to stand out as the ideal candidate for this coveted position.
