Job Description
The Clinical Cell Therapy Associate role supports the mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by assisting with complex, highly specialized, and time-sensitive technical cell manipulation and testing procedures for life saving cellular products used in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy. The Clinical Cell Therapy Associate works within the Cord Blood Bank Program, a laboratory environment focused on the safe handling, processing, storage, and release of irreplaceable cellular products critical to patient care. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. In this setting, the Clinical Cell Therapy Associate plays a vital role in ensuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of cellular therapy products. The Clinical Cell Therapy Associate collaborates closely with laboratory leadership, quality assurance, and clinical partners to support patient treatment timelines while maintaining the highest technical and documentation standards. The ideal candidate for the Clinical Cell Therapy Associate role demonstrates strong attention to detail, the ability to follow complex technical procedures precisely, and comfort working in highly regulated laboratory and clean room environments. This position will need adaptability to variable schedules, commitment to aseptic technique, accurate documentation practices, and adherence to regulatory standards governing cellular therapy laboratories. Additional consideration will be given to candidates in a laboratory setting, preferably with experience in clinical cell therapy manufacturing, Good Manufacturing Practices ( GMP ) Lab, or flow cytometry. Minimum $50,500 - Midpoint $63,000 - Maximum $75,500 The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday 2:00pm - 11:00pm. This is a variable shift position. Shift hours may vary based on business needs, with advance notice provided. Why Us? At UT MD Anderson, this role directly contributes to delivering life saving cellular therapies to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The Clinical Cell Therapy Associate supports a mission driven environment where precision, accountability, and teamwork are essential, while gaining exposure to advanced cell therapy processes and regulatory driven laboratory operations. UT MD Anderson is committed to supporting professional growth, stability, and work life balance for employees performing this critical work. Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance. Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options. Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs. JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES Cell Manipulation and Processing Perform cell manipulation/evaluation procedures following standard policies and procedures which include but not limited to stem cell and/or cellular product cryopreservation, cell enrichment and/or purging, cell evaluation and sorting, and cell product thaw/wash. Complete responsibility and awareness is required while performing procedures which may take a few hours for completion. Maintain aseptic technique during processing of products to ensure the integrity, viability and sterility of cellular products. Must adhere to special cleaning and gowning requirements for the facility and may be required to work in clean room environment requiring specialized gowning such as gloves, masks/goggles, sterile jumpsuits, scrubs, lab jackets, disposable lab coats, hair and shoe covers, as well as clean room shoes. Successfully complete annual competency evaluations, including media fill, and proficiency testing for all procedures with established competency. Perform error free calculations, including, but not limited to infusion cell doses, viabilities, dilutions and cell concentrations. Must be able to perform required calculations utilizing down time procedures and worksheets. Perform procedures and assays designed to characterize the product and/or evaluate against specifications such as cell counts, sterility testing, flow cytometry for viability and enumeration, colony forming unit enumeration for both fresh and frozen cord blood units. Product and sample accessioning, storage, retrieval and shipment Retrieve cord blood product samples while maintaining cryogenic temperatures for internal quality assessments as well as to prepare samples for shipment to refe