Senior TIL Recovery Specialist (Philadelphia)

ABOUT InstilBio
InstilBio Inc, a cell therapy company focused on solid tumors, has recently acquired Immetacyte Ltd. InstilBio is developing patient specific immunotherapies in oncology, allowing the patient’s
own immune system to be harnessed to fight cancer. The world-renowned team and its scientific advisors/investors have tremendous experience and track record in technology discovery, process
development, GMP manufacturing and clinical operations with a track record of developing and gaining approval for successful cell therapies.
We have built upon the expertise of researchers who have successfully undertaken scientific and clinical research alongside Professor Robert Hawkins. Professor Hawkins is a leader in the field
having undertaken several complex research projects and clinical trials involving: TIL, CAR-T, TCR based T cell therapies, cell selection, gene therapy, expansion of patient derived cells.
Recent significant investments in InstilBio are enabling the company to undertake Phase 2/3 to registrational clinical trials in melanoma. Further trials are planned in other solid tumor indications
and using gene-modified approaches to build a pipeline of TIL-based therapies.
Sr. TRS, HUB Lead/ Clinical Operations
Instil Bio is seeking a driven and experienced Sr. TIL Recovery Specialist. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate and apply both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills as they
relate to TIL Recovery and work collaboratively with cross functional teams both internal and external to the Clinical Operations team.
The candidates must be knowledgeable of both GCP and GTP requirements.

This role will comprise multiple critical functions:

  • TIL Recovery
    • Tumor Procurement
    • TIL Procurement
  • Biomedical packaging, labeling, shipping LN2 dewars
  • HUB Quality Maintenance System
  • Inventory Management
  • Metrics
  • Maintain cGTP of HUB per 21 CFR 1271 in regard to:
    • Personnel
    • Procedures
    • Facilities
    • Environmental Controls and Monitoring
    • Equipment
    • Supplies and Reagents
    • Recovery
    • Labeling Controls
    • Records Maintenance and Appropriate Tracking
  • Conduct Training

The candidates must be knowledgeable of aseptic and sterile techniques, tissue handling, tissue procurement, reagent handling, labeling, basic logistics, basic anatomy.
In this role, the Sr. TIL Recovery Specialist will be expected to recover and transport tumor tissue from clinical institutions and regional hub to complete packaging and shipment of the tumor to manufacturing. Peripheral requirements of the role include management and oversight the assigned regional hub to meet all GCP/GTP requirements
This position will routinely interact with TIL Logistics Coordinators, Clinical Study Teams, Clinical Site Staff (Surgeon’s, OR Charge Nurses, OR Circulators, Surgical Technicians), and Couriers. This position will report to the TIL Recovery Specialist, Manager.


Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

  • Must maintain appropriate training standard and participate in refresher training as
  • appropriate.
  • Prepares and maintains all aspects of TIL Recovery:
    • Cleaning and disinfecting facilities before and after use per GTP requirements
    • Procurement
    • Packaging
    • Shipping TIL to the manufacturing sites
  • Maintains inventory of all supplies, consumables and media and keeps accurate documentation.
    • Receives supplies
    • Inspects supplies
    • Releases supplies
  • Will need to wear all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
  • Must adhere to aseptic technique, as required.
  • Trims, weighs, and splits a variety of tumor tissues as needed.
  • Communicates with TLCs on updates/statuses of TIL recovery process.
  • Communicates TIL recovery, packaging, and labeling requirements to clinical site staff.
  • Operationally supports TLCs during Dry Run preparation.
  • Participates in and provides TIL recovery updates at meetings as assigned.
  • Proactively identifies potential TIL recovery process issues/risks and
  • recommends/implements solutions.
  • Leads internal team meetings and provides training as necessary at hub meetings and other trial-specific meetings.
  • Manages the refinement and improvement of TIL recovery process.
  • Creates and manages TIL recovery programs as assigned, programs of which pertain to hub maintenance & TIL recovery.
  • Provides oversight of TIL recovery training.
  • Participates in the development, review, and implementation of departmental SOPs and processes.
  • Ensures audit and inspection readiness of assigned tissue recovery hub.
  • Prepares and presents metrics and updates for management as assigned.
  • Attends external/internal cross-functional meetings as assigned.
  • Participates in 24/7 on-call response program.
  • 50-70% travel required
  • May culture environment and tissues to monitor contamination rates.
  • May be required to work outside of normal business hours in support of TIL recovery and processing activities.
  • May assist with low-level management responsibilities as assigned.
  • May be required to prepare media, sterilize instruments, and use laminar flow hood for processing.

Requirements and Recommendations:
• Associate’s degree in surgical tech with 8 years of work experience as surgical tech,
tissue, organ recovery or processing or related field in tissue/organ recovery or
processing preferred
OR
• BS or BA in a relevant scientific discipline with 6 years of work experience as surgical
tech, tissue, organ recovery or processing or related field in tissue/organ recovery or
processing preferred
OR
• MS/MA in a relevant discipline with 4 years of work experience as surgical tech, tissue,
organ recovery or processing or related field in tissue/organ recovery or processing
preferred

It is critical that you have:
o Basic understanding of Anatomy
o Previous Tissue Recovery experience
OR
o Previous Surgical Technician experience
o Valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance
o Own means of transportation
o Excellent time management skills
o Excellent interpersonal ability
• It is strongly encouraged that this role has:
o Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT)
o Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS)
o Certified Surgical Technician
o Knowledge of FDA regulations as applied to Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and
Tissue-Based Products
o Knowledge of HTA regulations
• Personal Skills:
o Dexterity
o Microsoft Office Suite
o Strong Communication & Presentation Skills