The Cell Therapy GXP Educational Program Director is a key leadership position that will develop and implement the Cell Therapy GXP Workforce Training Program (WTP) within Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The goal of the training program is to offer students a customized, inclusive education that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in the area’s top cGMP Cell Therapy Laboratory, while at the same time, providing the Connell & O’Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility (CMCF) with a larger, more qualified pool of employees.

When established, the Program Director, in collaboration with CMCF leadership, will be responsible for all aspects of the WTP, including the administration, planning, continuous review, development, general effectiveness and eventually seek national accreditation for the program.  In addition, the Program Director will eventually provide general onboarding training and didactic education for all existing and new staff of the CMCF to meet the needs of a dynamic cell therapy workforce.

The Program Director will report into the Sr. Administrative Director. This position will work very closely with leaders within the CMCF to ensure the program stays current with the rapidly evolving field.

This position’s work location is onsite, full-time on campus.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Program Oversight

• Responsible for the planning, organization, administration, instruction, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, curriculum planning and development, collaboration with other program staff, and general effectiveness of the program.
• Works towards NACCLS program accreditation, but at a minimum ensures the program meets the standards of quality for accreditation.
• Develops outcomes assessment tools needed for NAACLS accreditation.
• Generates a program’s annual report that meets NAACLS requirements.
• Provides leadership and vision for the creation and implementation of a strategic plan for the program.
• In collaboration with leadership, develops and implements program changes in response to the needs of the organization.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to oversee student recruitment including development of a marketing plan, student selection, onboarding, advisement, and progression.
• Participates in developing and writing of policies and procedures, proposals, and grants. Ensures that appropriate policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed.
• Works with Information Systems on webpage, learning management system and on-line application page.
• Develops an open and ongoing communication within the CMCF department.
• Participates in professional and educational activities to promote self-development and continued learning.
• Develops admission protocols for the program.
• Develops student handbook.
• Enhances the visibility and promote the Program at local colleges, professional meetings and represent the program regarding regional workforce needs.

Curriculum Design and Training Delivery

• Ensures that the program meets current curriculum to prepare students for certification.
• Coordinates the students schedule within the department and externally as the program expands.
• Oversees program curriculum and adjust as necessary to meet requirements of accrediting agencies and graduate eligibility for the national certification exam.
• Supervises laboratory assistant for the student laboratory.
• Teaches didactic and laboratory courses.
• Engages in a minimum of 36 hours of documented continuing education (CE) every 3 years. Continuing Education must be relevant to the program.
• Collaborates with the other national centers to establish a standard Curriculum Content.
  • program schedule
  • course goals and objectives
  • didactic content and delivery
  • laboratory exercises
  • tests, quizzes exams
  • student evaluations
  • learning management system
• Works with CMCF Leadership to develop:
  • plan for orientation and on-boarding
  • plan for clinical instruction
  • plan for rotation through each lab
  • plan for student evaluation
• Has regular and consistent meetings with students, instructors, and program personnel.
• Creates and maintains a learning environment that facilitates development of staff, colleagues, and students.             

Fiscal and Resource Management

• Prepares initial and annual budgets. Regularly reviews operations to foster cost-containment effort.
• In conjunction with the CMCF leadership, develops an operating and capital budget using established accounting principles.
• Approves program purchases.
• Orders budgeted laboratory equipment, reagents, and other supplies.
• Manages contracts as appropriate.
• Evaluates, manages, and advocates space needs as necessary for the program to meet its goals. Works with Facilities on laboratory renovations, upkeep, and maintenance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Will be responsible for students/interns.

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in in medical laboratory science or related field (biology, chemistry, public health) or education from an accredited college or university is required.
• Master’s Degree in medical laboratory science or related field (biology, chemistry, public health) or education from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Holds certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Med Technologist or AABB’s Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP) certification.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in a clinical laboratory or GMP Cell Therapy Lab, and a minimum of three years of teaching experience in an accredited program.
• Experience in managing people and projects is required.
• Experience in flow cytometry, microbiology, PCR and ELISA testing is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Working knowledge of cellular product manufacturing methods.
• Has knowledge of education methods and administration as well as current NAACLS accreditation procedures and certification procedures.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the GXP cellular therapy product manufacturing, and program development and evaluation, as well as needs assessment and marketing of the program
• Working knowledge of flow cytometry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering is a plus.
• Knowledge of FDA (cGTP and cGMP), AABB, FACT, CLIA, JC, and DPH regulations regarding laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of NAACLS and other regulatory and accreditation agencies requirements.
• Must have a basic understanding of laboratory procedures and equipment including the operations and maintenance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the planning, implementation, and monitoring of program budget.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse staff and student population.
• Exceptional leadership qualities: strategic thinking with an orientation for action and results, creativity, responsiveness, ability to plan and execute effectively with a profound attention to detail.
• Must have the ability to work independently, formulate decisions and act appropriately.
• Must be able to remain calm, professional, and productive under challenging situations.
• Ability to oversee staff, make personnel decisions, and manage any other personnel related issues.
• Demonstrate ability to teach.
• Demonstrate excellent supervisory administrative, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with numerous and diverse staff.
• Proficient in the use of e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software and the use of the internet to access data, maintain records, generate reports, and communicate with others.
• The manual/visual dexterity and skills necessary to perform laboratory testing and cell processing.
• Strong track record of proactive and responsive risk analysis relative to employee safety.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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