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Patient Cell Operations Manager - Contract

Bothell, Washington, United States; Seattle, Washington, United States

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response.  We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency. 

Position Summary

Lyell is seeking an experienced contractor to perform the Patient Cell Operations management function within the Supply Chain organization, reporting to the Supply Chain leadership. The contractor will lead the day-to-day operational management of patient cells across the cell-therapy lifecycle, including apheresis, tissue collection, and final drug product handling.

This is a highly cross-functional role that works closely with Manufacturing, Clinical Operations, Quality, and external clinical sites and apheresis centers to deliver right-first-time execution of patient cell handling processes that support manufacturing and clinical trial success.

As a contractor, the individual will run and coordinate these processes day-to-day. The individual executes, manages, and drives the work under the direction of the Supply Chain leadership, escalating decisions when required.

To be successful, the individual must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, bringing forward-thinking leadership to help establish scalable processes, procedures, and training frameworks that support the growth of the Patient Cell Operations team.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Cell Operations Execution

  • Create, manage, and maintain controlled manuals describing processes for apheresis collection and final drug product administration.
  • Drive right-first-time apheresis and final drug product handling at clinical sites and apheresis centers.
  • Manage day-to-day relationships with Lyell healthy donor apheresis suppliers.
  • Manage CAPAs and deviations related to improper handling of patient cells, partnering with Lyell process owners for final disposition and approval.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Clinical Operations, and external vendors and service providers.
  • Ensure materials and shipping containers required for patient cell collection, transport, and final drug product handling are properly validated.
  • Establish and continuously improve electronic tools, processes, and procedures that support Patient Cell Operations activities.

Clinical Site Readiness & Training

  • Lead the execution of training for clinical sites and apheresis centers on the Apheresis Manual and Drug Product Administration Manual, supporting procedural compliance and operational excellence.
  • Develop, deliver, and routinely update training programs to reflect evolving operational practices, regulatory requirements, and feedback from clinical and apheresis sites.
  • Manage clinical site onboarding and requalification through structured training, documentation review, mock runs, and site readiness assessments.
  • Ensure all personnel involved in patient cell handling are appropriately trained, qualified, and documented in accordance with GxP requirements.

What You Bring

  • Demonstrated experience managing operations in cell therapy, biologics, supply chain, or clinical operations within a GxP-regulated environment.
  • Proven ability to own day-to-day execution of complex, cross-functional processes and deliver right-first-time results.
  • Strong command of controlled documents, CAPAs, deviations, and training frameworks.
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills and experience managing external partners, clinical sites, and vendors.
  • Self-motivated leader who operates effectively and decisively in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
  • Experience with Cell Orchestration Platforms a plus.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

  • BA/BSc with a minimum of 10 years’ experience; or
  • MBA or MSc with a minimum of 7 years’ experience

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

  • At least 5 years management experience in patient cell operations

Engagement Details

  • This is a contract position.
  • Compensation is commensurate with experience and will be discussed during the interview process.
  • Contract duration: 4-6 months. Schedule: full-time (40 hours/week).
  • The hourly rate of pay is between $85.00 - 95.00 per hour
 
 
 

 

 

 

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