What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinical Research Coordinator II – Cellular Manufacturing position at The University of Chicago?
Department
BSD SRF - cGMP
About the Department
Job Summary
As a Clinical Research Coordinator II – Cellular Manufacturing, you will work in a state-of-the-art cleanroom within the UChicago Cellular and Tissue-Based Processing cGMP Facility, supporting the manufacture of clinical-grade cellular therapies and vaccines for Phase I–III trials.
You will perform aseptic processing, execute complex protocol-driven manufacturing procedures, and maintain accurate batch records and documentation. Additional responsibilities include supporting deviation investigations and CAPA, managing inventory and materials, and training junior staff.
Reporting to the Technical Director, you will help lead daily ISO 7 cleanroom operations, oversee equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and ensure strict adherence to cGMP and regulatory standards. Strong expertise in aseptic technique, ISO 7 gowning, and complex cell processing and analytical assays is required.
Responsibilities
Perform a variety of cellular product processing procedures under G’X’P (GLP, GTP, GMP, GDP) guidelines as directed with speed and accuracy.
Perform a variety of cellular infusion procedures under GTP guidelines as directed with speed and accuracy.
Perform a variety of special manufacturing projects under cGMP guidelines as directed with speed and accuracy.
Transport prepared vaccines/cell therapy products to the clinic or pharmacy.
Perform and support Cell Therapy assays (including CAP proficiency/competency) in accordance with SOPs and best practices.
Execute SOPs to support facility and operational needs.
Assist with lab equipment lifecycle activities, including setup, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), calibration/verification, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Support cGMP compliance through validation and qualification of processes, materials, equipment, and vendors.
Ensure proper handling and storage of materials and samples under required conditions.
Document and report instrumentation errors, deviations, and quality events.
Support compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, as well as accrediting body requirements.
Perform GMP-compliant room changeovers and specialized cleaning between campaigns.
Manage ordering and inventory of supplies.
Train and guide new staff.
Complete required training and adhere to all safety and operational procedures.
Accountable for all tasks in moderately complex clinical studies.
Assists with various professional, organizational, and operational tasks under moderate supervision.
Facilitates and participates in the daily activities of moderately complex clinical studies and performs various activities including patient data retrieval, documenting clinical research records, and participation in program audits.
Uses knowledge of clinical studies to coordinate the collection of analyzable clinical research data and/or samples with a limited to moderate degree of independence. Contributes to the problem solving on assigned clinical research studies and tasks.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
-
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Masters Degree in related field.
Experience:
4 years of post-bachelor laboratory experience, preferably in immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, or a related field strongly preferred.
Knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 210 and 211 strongly preferred.
Prior experience in cGMP manufacturing or pharmacy compounding strongly preferred.
Prior experience in cell culture, analytical assay performance and development, viral gene transduction, and sterile filling techniques strongly preferred.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite strongly preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
Medical Lab Technician Certification-MLT (ASCP) strongly preferred.
Pharmacy Technician Certification-CPhT strongly preferred.
Preferred Competencies
Working knowledge of GxP, CLIA, CAP, and FDA-regulated environments.
Experience in cGMP sterile cleanroom operations.
Ability to follow and execute SOPs, protocols, and batch records.
Strong documentation practices and attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across teams and interact professionally with all staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-solving skills with the ability to understand, retain, and apply complex instructions.
Self-motivated with the ability to learn new techniques quickly and work independently.
Working Conditions
Ability to perform light/medium work, which includes lifting up to 30 pounds.
Occasionally must bend, twist, squat, climb, reach, stoop, and kneel.
Ability to be mobile and walking from building to building.
Ability to sit for some period of up to 4 or more hours.
Ability to stand for some period of up to 3 or more hours.
All employees within this job classification may have exposure to blood-borne pathogens, other potentially infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemical waste.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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Salary : $60,000 - $75,000