DescriptionThe purpose of the Human Gene and Cell Therapy Facility (HGCTF) is to manufacture clinical grade gene and cellular therapy products for novel patient treatments in clinical trials, and to perform scholarly research and development when appropriate.
The Lead Quality Control (QC) Scientist position will be responsible for the daily operation of the QC laboratory to ensure it is in control and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Lead QC Scientist will oversee compendial and non-compendial methods for test of products manufactured/prepared at the HGCTF. The Lead QC Scientist will lead and perform analytical testing of starting materials, in-process samples, release testing of drug substance and drug products. The Lead QC Scientist will lead and oversee technology transfer, method development, qualification/validation and/or verification of test methods as per applicable regulatory guidelines.
The Lead QC Scientist will perform routine environmental monitoring of the facility clean rooms and associated space. The individual will also support the initial establishment of the HGCTF QC laboratory, onboarding new equipment and drafting associated SOP. The individual will be the technical expert, providing expertise and training to scientists and research staff. The Lead QC Scientist will lead staff in achieving project goals and providing guidance to successfully oversee quality control of research projects.
Salary Range: $83,800 - $179,400 Annually
QualificationsAll Required:
Bachelor of Science degree, or Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training. Minimum of five years of GMP assay development or quality control experience, a higher degree (Ph.D or Pharm D.) with knowledge about GMP QC or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in excellent tissue culture skills (human cell line and stem cell culture preferred) to be trained in GMP grade culture of continuous human cell lines, multi potent stem cells such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and pluripotent stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Advanced knowledge of the following analytical methods/equipment: cell counting and viability using trypan blue, nucleocounter, multi-color flow cytometry, PCR, ddPCR and other cellular assays.
Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods design utilizing the equipment listed above.
2+ years of aseptic cell culture (human primary cells and/or human cell lines) is preferred.
Familiar with data analysis with large data set, as well as data visualization software is a plus.
Experience with qualification, technology and method transfer, and validation/verification of analytical methods.
Experience with compendial testing for Cell and Gene Therapy, including endotoxin and mycoplasma.
Experience with people management and/or project management.
Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations.
Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Control requirements in a GMP laboratory setting.
Knowledge of proper product documentation and labeling at a GMP level.
Communication skills required to coordinate and verify results, monitor for completeness and accuracy required.
Ability to work flexible hours, various hours on short notice (including covering staff shortages, weekends and holidays); determine workload priorities for completion of job assignments in a timely manner to meet critical deadlines.
Ability to serve as a support for complex procedure or equipment troubleshooting in areas of expertise, and/or solicits same as necessary in areas where expertise is deficient.
Excellent English-writing skills to compose, proofread correspondence and written reports for conciseness, clarity, appropriate grammar, correct spelling and proper punctuation.
Ability to write concise and accurate administrative reports, polices, procedures and correspondence.
Excellent record keeping skills and good documentation practices.
Teamwork skills as well as the ability to prioritize and demonstrate critical thinking.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple departments while utilizing innovation to elicit compliance.
Demonstrated skill in gathering pertinent data, preparing narrative reports, statistical reports, charts, graphs and tables.
Demonstrated skill in reviewing documents, data and material compiled by others for completeness and accuracy to ensure that incorrect/incomplete data is corrected.
Ability to deal with and maintain confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Demonstrated skill in good decision making and taking appropriate action in situations where no establish criteria exists or where answers to problems are not readily available.
Ability to work on a diverse variety of projects simultaneously, organize multiple projects for efficiency.
Demonstrated skill in prioritizing workflow to meet deadlines, often under pressure of conflicting demands, while maintaining accuracy and effectiveness of work.
Working knowledge of some medical and scientific terminology for protocol abstracting and conversation with research personnel.
Demonstrated skill in records management. Skill in maintaining complex filing systems.
Demonstrated skills with personal computers, spreadsheets, databases and word processing applications for maintenance of records, analysis of data, and the preparation of reports. Exceptional computing skills. Ability to learn other systems/software as required.
At UCLA Health, you can help heal humankind, one patient at a time by improving health, alleviating suffering and delivering acts of kindness. As you do, you’ll achieve great things in your life and your career. We’re a world-class health organization with four hospitals consistently recognized among the nation’s very best as well as an internationally-renowned medical school, primary and specialty care clinics and much more. Within our dynamic, innovative and growing organization, you’ll find exceptional opportunities to make the most of your abilities in a supportive, empowering and inclusive environment. If you embrace our values of Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence and Discovery we invite you to see all you can accomplish at UCLA Health.
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Important Information for CPHQ Recertification
The recertification process has been streamlined. Unlike previous years, you don’t need to list out your CE activities at the time of completing your application. Instead, you will be asked to attest to having met the requirements, further aligning with the honor-based system of recertification. In the event that your application is randomly selected for audit, you may be required to list your CE activities and submit supporting documentation.
While you may participate in NAHQ learning opportunities (Learning Labs, JHQ articles, etc.), you can only claim CE credit once for each activity. Therefore, if you’ve previously earned CE from a NAHQ learning opportunity, you can’t claim it again, nor will you see the repeat CE appear in your “My Learning� tab. This includes activities used in previous recertification cycles.
Remember, if you’re recertifying during the grace period (1/1/24-1/31/24), you already had to earn your CE hours by Dec 31, 2023.
You still have time! Register today for a multi-day virtual event that addresses the most urgent and important issues facing healthcare today that offers a full schedule of educational sessions organized around NAHQ’s twice-validated healthcare quality competency framework.
We are excited to announce the release of the book “UNSTOPPABLE: Inspiring Stories of Perseverance, Triumph and Joy from Trailblazing Women in Healthcare“.
Be inspired by nine leading healthcare trailblazers, including our own CEO Stephanie Mercado, who empower us all with their vision and passions.
You’ll notice we’ve simplified the application process to recertify. You will not have to list your CE activities at the time of applying*. Simply attest that you met the requirements to complete the application.
*In the event of an audit, CPHQs may need to list activities and upload documentation in their NAHQ account.
Quality Education Resources
Join this informative session, “Quality Education Resources� Thursday, June 22 from 11-11:30 a.m. CT. You will learn about the range of NAHQ quality education resources available to you and hear directly from universities about the benefits they realized from implementing NAHQ’s content within their courses.
Maintain a Pulse on the Latest Quality & Safety Benchmarking Data
Learn more about NAHQ’s enhanced Quality and Safety Benchmarking Program, which provides timely insights to help U.S. hospitals and health systems create data-driven business cases for their quality and safety resourcing.
Understand the Variability Among Your Quality Team Through Workforce Accelerator
Join us Tuesday, May 2, at 11 a.m. CT, to learn more about the different options available to engage with NAHQ’s enterprise-wide solution, Workforce Accelerator®. Options range in size and scope and are designed to meet the various budgetary and timing needs of health systems as they embark on their quality journeys. Register today!
Healthcare Quality and Safety Workforce Report: New Imperatives for Quality and Safety Mean New Imperatives for Workforce Development
The National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ) has conducted groundbreaking research on the advancement of the quality and safety agenda and has published the results in a new workforce report. NAHQ’s Healthcare Quality and Safety Report answers the question: “Is today’s healthcare workforce doing the work that will advance critical priorities of quality, safety, equity, value, and system sustainability?� The answer is no.
Updated Maintenance Dates: Sunday, February 5, 2023
Maintenance is planned for Sunday, February 5, from 11 p.m.-4 p.m. CT. During this time, you will not have access to the “My Learning” section of your NAHQ account. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.
NAHQ’s Organizational Membership Subscription will serve as a one-stop shop for healthcare quality and safety training and education. Attend the February 2, at 11 a.m. CT, info session to further understand the new offering that will continue NAHQ’s focus of “Quality in Action.�
NAHQ has published an updated version of the CPHQ exam content outline.
The new exam content will take effect on March 15, 2023. Candidates planning to take the exam before March 15, 2023, can access the current CPHQ exam content outline and related resources on our website.
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Healthcare Quality and Safety Workforce Report: New Imperatives for Quality and Safety Mean New Imperatives for Workforce Development
Member Briefing Workshop and Healthcare Quality Week Webinar
October 7, at 12 p.m. CT
NAHQ will host an exclusive member briefing workshop where NAHQ CEO Stephanie Mercado and NAHQ President-Elect Nidia Williams will review the workforce report in-depth and prepare you to discuss it with your team and leadership during Healthcare Quality Week.
October 17, at 12 p.m. CT
To kick off Healthcare Quality Week, (HQW) NAHQ will host a complimentary webinar with NAHQ leaders to discuss the report, its impact and how you can leverage the report to your advantage.
You still have time! Register today for a multi-day virtual event that addresses the most urgent and important issues facing healthcare today that offers a full schedule of educational sessions organized around NAHQ's twice-validated healthcare quality competency framework.