Intern, Process Development, Masters Program

Location: Houston, TX
Department: Process Development
Reports to: Principal Scientist, Process Development 

About CTMC  

CTMC is a pioneering biotech joint venture, formed by National Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. Our mission is to accelerate cell therapies from bench to bedside. We offer a wide range of cell therapy modalities, including CAR-T, TIL, and TCR-T. Our expert team collaborates closely with MD Anderson’s research and clinical faculty, bringing impactful cell therapies to cancer patients. 

Since inception in May 2022, our team has filed eight INDs and have received approval, without delay, demonstrating our commitment to delivering innovative treatments to patients with speed and precision. Our alliance with National Resilience enables us to remain at the forefront of biomanufacturing practices, leveraging advanced technology and processes to deliver exceptional results. 

Our growing, state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. industrial facility in the Texas Medical Center is staffed by an integrated team of industry veterans and academic scientists who are passionate about bringing life-saving cures to patients. Our unique joint venture structure, with two highly established partners, provides us with the financial stability and long-term horizon to achieve our organizational goals. 

At CTMC, we value our employees and offer a variety of development opportunities within our novel corporate structure to inspire professional growth and satisfaction. We foster a team-first culture and a balanced work-life environment to ensure our staff is energized and engaged in our mission to accelerate cell therapies from bench to bedside for patients who need them. If you share our passion for advancing the frontiers of medical science with innovative therapeutics and want to join a highly dedicated team committed to delivering novel cures to patients, we invite you to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your skills and expertise can help us achieve our mission.  

Responsibilities 

Internship in the PD cell therapy group:  

The PD intern will be exposed to T-cell therapy drug development in industry and learn about the different modalities and their applications. Over the course of the internship, the candidate will:  

• Observe and discuss the different T-cell expansion processes required for T-cell therapy drugs in development at CTMC with his team members. 
  • observe hands-on cell therapy process development work with mentors in the laboratory as a learning tool, and eventually participate with execution. 
  • become knowledgeable on the processes observed and be able to discuss the different approaches with the team in group meetings.   
• Become familiar with aseptic technique and perform contamination-free cell culture. 
  • training on aseptic technique after the observation phase. 
  • successfully perform processes requiring aseptic technique.  
• Train on the use of various cell processing devices and equipment 
  • train on multiple devices used in cell therapy production, including automated and semi-automated cell processing devices. 
  • following training, the candidate will be expected to be able to independently operate equipment and be able to understand the basic mechanisms of operation for the equipment.  
• Participating in advancement of project by assisting the team. 
  • post-observation phase: the candidate is expected to add value to the team by contributing to the ongoing work to the extent of their capacity.  
  • continuous learning of new skills under the team’s guidance 
  • present their work at weekly team meetings and one-time presentation at the company Townhall.  
• Carry a small study independently and within the scope of a larger project’s activities. 
  • If the candidate shows great understanding of the processes and the ability of doing autonomous works, the candidate could be given a small study to perform independently (or assisted) under the guidance of the team or the designated mentor.   

Qualifications/Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field preferred, enrollment in Masters in Biotechnology program required.
• Desire to learn cell therapy development.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.
• Able to be a great team player.
• Able to learn testing procedures and work utilizing standard operating procedures.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to be nimble, collaborative, and eager to contribute.
• Good communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Must be able to complete a 6-month internship.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands  

Physical Demands-  

• Occasional standing and walking required
• Frequent sitting, reaching, and computer/keyboard usage
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 10lbs.required

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as considered necessary.