GMP Training Program

The mission of the Stanford Laboratory for Cell and Gene Medicine (LCGM) GMP Work-Based Training Program is to recruit, train, and build a highly skilled workforce in cell and gene therapy biomanufacturing by providing work-based learning opportunities.

About the Program

The Stanford LCGM GMP Training Program combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly-skilled careers in cell & gene therapy manufacturing. Earn while you learn and gain proper education and training in the burgeoning field of cell and gene therapy. This GMP program provides strong mentorship, quality skill-based learning, and performance fedback.

The program offers an exciting opportunity to gain real world experience for a period of six months or 980 hours by learning from world class scientists who support translational medicine. The candidates will learn from and gain experience in any one functional Area: Process Development and Manufacturing OR Quality Control OR Quality Assurance.

The Process Development & Manufacturing team develops large scale, closed system, cGMP compliant procedures to manufacture innovative cell and gene therapies. The candidate’s on-the-job experience may include:

  • LCGM cell and gene therapy project overview
  • Aseptic technique; cell thaw, expansion, cryopreservation, scale-up; analytical assays
  • Equipment learning: control rate freezer; automated cell counter, flow cytometry
  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

 

The Quality Control team ensures product efficacy and safety. The candidate’s on-the-job experience may include:

  • LCGM cell and gene therapy project overview
  • Environmental Monitoring; microbial and air quality testing and analysis
  • Cell product analytical assays and techniques
  • Equipment learning: automated cell counter, flow cytometry; PCR

 

The Quality Assurance team facilitates the development, implementation, and maintenance of LCGM’s Quality Management System and ensures that product quality meets regulatory and accreditation requirements. The candidate’s on-the-job experience may include:

  • LCGM cell and gene therapy project overview
  • Quality Management System
  • Observe, support manufacturing activities, campaign readiness, product release
  • Core activities: Change Control, Document Control, Deviations, Audits

Eligibility

All participants must agree to the following eligibility requirements and program expectations:

  • Bachelor’s degree holder (STEM major preferred)
  • Participants are expected to be in-person in the lab for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week for the duration of the six month training
  • U.S citizens / permanent residents

Paid Training Details

For the duration of this ~6 month (980 hours maximum) program, trainees will be Temporary Non-Exempt staff onsite in Palo Alto, CA. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

  • General understanding of biological scientific principles.
  • General understanding on how to use laboratory equipment: biosafety cabinet, centrifuge, incubator, cell counter, micropipettes, etc.
  • Computer skills and ability to learn quickly and master computer programs, databases and scientific applications.
  • Strong attention to detail. 
  • Ability to work following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom space donning special sterile gowning. 
  • Ability to work under deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to maintain relationships and communicate effectively between multiple functional groups.
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

  • Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine hand manipulation, repetitive pipetting, perform desk-based computer tasks, and lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 15 pounds. 
     

*- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
  • Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. 
  • Position may require working in a cGMP clean room environment. 
  • Position may work with viruses: lentiviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and/or retroviruses.
  • Position may work with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
  • May require extended or unusual work hours based on clinical manufacturing requirements and business needs. May be required to stay at work until product is released.
  • Ability to work with unpredictable manufacturing schedules.
  • Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator. 
  • May be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, Allergens/Biohazards/ Chemicals, and confined spaces.


WORK STANDARDS:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors bases on training and lessons learned.
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

The expected pay range for this position in the Stanford Work Location is $28.42  to $47.45 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

A Message from LCGM's Scientific and Site Director, Dr. Steven Feldman

The GMP Training Program is funded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine INFR5 grant.  Stanford LCGM is committed to expanding access to such high-quality experiences to improve equitable outcomes for career and personal development. We especially encourage students to apply who are from groups that are under-represented in the biotechnology workforce, including (but not limited to) students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students who will be first generation college students, and women.

Selection decisions will be made in awareness of and in accordance with the June 29, 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. 

2025 Program Dates

  • Program Dates
    August 2025 - February 2026
  • Application Period
    February 14 - March 31
  • Interviews & Final Selection 
    April 28 - May 15

How to Apply

Invest in your career growth and apply NOW. Complete the online application, which will include: 

  • Three short essay questions (250 words each max)
  • Upload of Resume (2 pages max)
  • Upload of Unofficial Transcript
  •  

Contact

Please submit all inquiries to lcgm_opportunities@stanford.edu