Intern, Viral Vector Development

Location: Houston, TX
Department: Analytical Development
Reports to: Senior Scientist

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

• Learn and observe the execution of different state-of-the-art cell-based or molecular biology techniques which are typically used in the development of cell therapies.  
• Perform production of viral vectors using adherent or suspension cell culture systems.
• Perform cell line cloning, propagation, characterization, and banking.
• Perform testing using assay platforms such as flow cytometry, ELISA, and PCR.
• Support management of laboratory upkeep, material inventory, equipment maintenance, as well as other support tasks as required. 
• Participates in lab meetings and other collaborative activities.  
• Showcases achievements/learnings with a presentation at the conclusion of internship to the broader development team. 
• Other duties as required. 

Qualifications/Skills

• High School Diploma required, enrollment in a minimum Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field preferred or enrollment in a specialized Cell Therapy or biotech degree program.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.
• Able to learn 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.).

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 10 lbs. 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.