South Texas Blood & Tissue is an AABB-accredited blood bank. It operates nine donor centers in South Texas, distributing blood, plasma, platelets, and other components to regional hospitals and emergency first responders. It also provides starting materials to therapeutic developers, and clinical research services. Its apheresis center received FACT accreditation in 2022 for peripheral blood cellular therapy product collection. As an AATB-accredited tissue bank, it offers tissue recovery from living and deceased donors.

Job Title: Blood & Tissue Manufacturing Associate III

Revision: 0000

Job Code: 700249

Shift: Monday-Friday 11:00am - 7:30pm

FLSA: OT Eligible

Hybrid? N

CPF Level: P1

Location: San Antonio

Dept.: Components

Business Unit: STB&T

General Summary

Responsible to inspect and perform all phases related to blood components production and labeling in accordance with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), organizational policies, and regulatory and cGMP/cGTP requirements.

Will prepare specialized blood components and quarantine blood components.

Will also provide in‐service training to staff regarding policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Responsible for activities related to the aseptic processing of human cells and tissue, maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment, and proper documentation of all activities.

Must be able to operate all major and minor processing equipment and maintain processing supplies and equipment inventory.

Participate in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the cell and tissue processing and distribution.

Responsible to perform and assist in coordination of all operational aspects of the cord blood accessioning and processing areas.

Ensures all laboratory procedures are conducted in compliance with prescribed regulations.

Maintains all technical activities to include training and the performance of high complexity, routine laboratory procedures.

Responsible to receive, accession, and distribute testing samples to Laboratory Services testing laboratories.

Recognize unusual situations and resolve discrepancies.

Communicate discrepancies to management.

Maintain accurate records of incoming and outgoing samples.

Commit to and abide by the character of BioBridge Global’s Core Values of Accountability, Stewardship, Pioneer, Integrity, Respect and Excellence (ASPIRE).

Support, communicate and reinforce the mission and vision of the enterprise.

Provide world class customer service by capturing and being responsive to the voice of the customer (internal or external, including donors for select positions) through multiple feedback channels in order to resolve issues and drive satisfaction in accordance with the BBG customer engagement, feedback, and complaint processes.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Tasks

Process blood components to established quality standards.

Follow Daily Production Plan to maintain adequate inventory of blood components.

Accurately label blood components.

Prepare specialized blood components as directed. Report on the final disposition of components.

Verify Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as assigned.

Quarantine blood components which are non‐conformant per SOP.

Perform quality control, and maintenance on equipment and document appropriately.

Assist senior technicians in maintaining adequate supply levels. Assist in staff training as required.

Evaluate and document competency levels through direct observation and testing.

Perform weekend on‐call duties on a rotating basis.

Provide exceptional customer service internally and externally.

Maintain good working relationship with co‐workers, senior technicians, other departments, and management.

Report any irregularities, difficulties, and unusual results immediately.

Assist in the developing of the cell and tissue processing procedures according to the AATB, FDA, and cGMP/cGTP standards.

Utilize the aseptic techniques for processing of cells and tissue.

Perform instruments and supplies sterilization procedures according to sterilization guidelines.

Maintain processing instruments, supplies and equipment inventory, and ensure an adequate supply.

Operate processing equipment and maintain maintenance and monitoring records such as: freezer, freeze dried and room temperature readings.

Perform receiving, accessioning and distributing of testing samples to the laboratory as needed.

Maintain accurate records of incoming and outgoing samples.

Perform cell and tissue processing room disinfection procedures according to Clean Room and organizational guidelines.

Perform processing, packaging and labeling of the cells and tissues according to procedures, AATB, cGMP and organizational standards.

Maintain complete and accurate records of all steps in the cell or tissue product manufacturing process to assure product documentation and traceability.

Perform all necessary quality control procedures and maintain complete records of results.

Responsible for overseeing and/or performing the labeling of commercial plasma and component shipments.

Perform laboratory quarantine procedures for commercial plasma.

Accurately maintain records and documentation of commercial plasma shipments.

Perform assigned tasks in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Perform computer data entry of commercial plasma products.

Produce the Commercial Plasma Shipment Summary document by the 10th of every month.

Label and ship all components that are not for transfusion.

Acquire and maintain competence in all departmental special procedures including but is not limited to washing RBCs, freezing RBCs, Deglycerolizing RBCs, washing platelets, aliquoting RBCs, Thawing plasma, and concentrating RBCs.

Assist management with labeling, electronic shipment, and distribution of all special request and research components.

Maintain a close working relationship with management and report any irregularities, difficulties, and/or unusual results immediately.

Assist in staff training and retraining as required.

Organize plasma shipment and recognize unique and specific required testing for individual customers.

Maintain up-to-date register for MTD plasma shipments to include volume and dollar amount, and projections for future sales.

Maintain core competencies in the component production modules.

Plan and execute production for non-transfusable product customers.

Performing user level annual review of SOPs, and job aides for the department.

Assist management with review and communication of test results to customer.

Report any procedure deviations and make recommendations to management.

Review records for completion.

Perform visual inspection of commercial products prepared.

Determine final disposition of questionable commercial plasma and provide proper documentation.

Prepare commercial plasma customer orders for distribution.

Perform all departmental procedures as requested.

Follow proper safety procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Tasks

Run departmental errands as directed.

May have interaction with and/or exposure to various groups, VIPs, and/or media.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Requires sixty (60) hours or Associate Degree from an accredited technical/vocational institute, college or university.

The required major is is Science and/ or related discipline.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) preferred

Experience

Requires three or more years of blood center experience.

Requires two or more years of laboratory experience, sterile technique, instruments and equipment sterilization techniques.

Knowledge

Must have a working knowledge of equipment and procedures for various technologies.

Must obtain a working knowledge of regulatory/quality requirements and perform within all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.

Must have a working knowledge of component processing techniques.

Skills

Must be prepared to identify root causes of problems and select the best course of action when circumstances require.

Must have strong computer skills.

Must be able to print and write legibly.

Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Must be capable of operating laboratory and/or other job-related equipment.

Must have strong manual dexterity and technical abilities in the use of processing and testing equipment.

Must be capable of inputting computer data with accuracy.

Abilities

Must be a self-starter and self-directed worker.

Must be able to keep information confidential.

Must be able to make good sound judgment decisions.

Must be able to work with interruptions, meet deadlines, and perform accurate work and/or reports.

Must be neat in appearance and well groomed.

Must be professional, detail oriented, self-motivated, innovative, creative, assertive, organized, communicative, and have the ability to work independently.

Must have the ability to lead training programs in component procedures.

Must perform well in repetitive work situations.

Working Environment

Works in a well-lighted air conditioned and heated laboratory/department.

May be exposed to electrical, mechanical and chemical hazards and other conditions common to a laboratory environment.

May be exposed to blood borne pathogens and other conditions common to a clinical laboratory environment.

May have bodily exposure to refrigerator/freezer temperature, especially hands and face.

Will work extended hours during peak periods.

May be required to work any time of the day, evening or night during the week or weekend.

Occupational Exposure Assignment - Category I

We invest in our people by offering competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with the first blood center in America to receive the ISO 9002 accreditation!

All Full Time Positions Qualify for an Affordable and Competitive Benefits Package to include:

• Competitive salary

• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance

• 401(k) with Employer Contribution

• 100% Employer Paid Long-term Disability Plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 100% Employer Paid AD&D

• Extended Illness Benefits (EIB)

• 100% Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Shift Differentials

• Group Health Medical Plan with prescription coverage

• Paid Holidays

• Variety of Voluntary Supplemental Insurances

• Incentive Compensation Plan

• Voluntary Dental Coverage

• Educational Assistance Program

• Voluntary Vision

South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC), a subsidiary of BioBridge Global, is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans, and disabled individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristics. For more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please clickhere (http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf) . STBTC maintains a Tobacco & Drug-Free Workplace.