Manufacturing Specialist I

About Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.  is the global leader in innovating, developing, and delivering tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapies for patients with solid tumors. Amtagvi® (lifileucel) is the first FDA-approved, one-time treatment for previously treated advanced melanoma, now approved in three global markets and available at more than 95 authorized treatment centers. The Iovance TIL platform spans registrational trials and next-generation programs in additional solid tumors, including gene-edited and IL-12 tethered TIL therapies, next-generation IL-2, and precision immuno-oncology approaches. As the first and only company to take TIL therapy from concept to a broadly accessible commercial treatment, Iovance operates as an end-to-end cell therapy company, anchored by fully owned, centralized U.S.-based manufacturing that is scaled to serve thousands of cancer patients worldwide each year. For more information, please visit www.iovance.com. 

Amtagvi® and its accompanying design marks, Proleukin^®, Iovance^®, and IovanceCares™ are trademarks and registered trademarks of Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

Information on Iovance’s broad, industry-leading patent portfolio is available on the Intellectual Property page on www.iovance.com. 

Overview

Iovance is an immune-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cancer immunotherapies based on TIL. The company’s lead candidate is an autologous, ready-to-infuse cell therapy, that has demonstrated distinctive efficacy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.  The company has a commercially approved product along with multiple ongoing clinical trials in various phases for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, cervical carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and immunotherapy for solid tumors.  The company is currently developing its commercial manufacturing capacity to support development and launch of these assets.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

• Support documentation, including drafting and approval of SOPs, Batch Records, Deviations, CAPAs, etc. Perform basic revisions as needed to accurately reflect current procedures.
• Lead teams investigating minor, major and critical nonconformances and deviations, including gathering information through structured root cause analysis. Draft and revise deviation reports as needed to assure that deviations are addressed in a timely manner.
• Own and manage change controls associated with manufacturing areas and equipment.
• Participate in technology transfer, conference calls and sharing of technical information.
• Coordination of front-end document requests with supporting departments.
• Assure that Deviations and CAPAs are addressed in a timely manner, and that Batch Records revisions are reviewed and approved in a timely manner.
• Continuously seek and support new approaches, practices, and processes to improve the efficiency and efficacy of document review and revision.
• Adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including Good Documentation Practices (GDP). Completes recording of data to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Attends the weekly management meeting to discuss timelines and weekly priorities.
• Contribute to projects to ensure timely initiation and completion of work.
• May work on assignments that are moderately complex in nature, where judgment is required to resolve operational issues without negatively impacting manufacturing efforts.
• Troubleshoot issues and prioritize workload to solve moderately complex problems, including on the floor troubleshooting support as needed.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently as required. Works on routine assignments per written procedures, where ability to recognize deviation from accepted practice is required.
• Ensure raw data records are accurate, complete, and in appropriate order, and meet protocol specifications and/or GMP requirements. Review data as generated/collected by less experienced technical staff.
• Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
• Comply with Safety SOPs, SDS sheets, and laboratory procedures per company policy and OSHA regulations.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned. 

Travel 

• May require up to 10% travel, based on business need. 

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge 

• Minimum bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related technical field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in biopharmaceutical based GMP manufacturing operations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Demonstrated strong technical knowledge of aseptic processing in cleanroom environments is a must.
• Ability to build relationships quickly and credibly. Provide consistent, excellent support to staff, with the ability to influence large teams within the manufacturing department representing a variety of personalities and experience levels.
• Proactive, results oriented, self-starter with demonstrated strong leadership skills and experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity – ready to change gears and plans quickly, with the need to manage constant change.
• Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Quality mindset, familiar with 21 CFR Part 11 and standard GxP best practices and FDA regulations.
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Understands and complies with quality standards and requirements as documented.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, problem solving and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with data and sample management required (LIMS/MES)
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
• This position is currently for regular work week hours (1^st shift M-F)
• Need to be able to read, write and understand English, and be proficient in Microsoft (Excel, Word, Outlook).

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.

Physical Demands and Activities Required:

• Must be able to wear appropriate clean room attire and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. scrubs, gowning coverall, masks, gloves, etc.
• Able to stand and/or walk 90% (and sit 10%) which may include climbing ladders or steps.
• Able to crouch, bend, twist, reach, and perform activities with repetitive motions.
• Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing 45 pounds. 

Mental:

• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.

Work Environment:

• This position will work in both an office and a manufacturing cleanroom setting.
• When in the lab, must be able to work in cleanroom setting with various chemical/biochemical exposures, including latex and bleach.
• Able to work in cleanroom with biohazards, human blood components, and chemicals.
• Potential exposure to noise and equipment hazards and strong odors.

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