Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating and, one day, curing life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, we are advancing the next generation of cell therapy through a portfolio of innovative technologies, including autologous, allogeneic, and in vivo cell therapy approaches. Our research spans chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T), T-cell receptor (TCR-T), natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies, and other emerging platforms designed to transform the treatment of serious diseases. From our global network of research and development sites, we are committed to discovering and developing safe, effective, and cutting-edge therapies for patients worldwide.
Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Johnson & Johnson to jointly develop and commercialize CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel). Through this strategic partnership, we combine complementary expertise and capabilities to advance innovative immunotherapies for patients living with multiple myeloma.
Legend Biotech is seeking a Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.
Role Overview
The Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling purification processes for lentiviral vectors (LVV) within our
innovative pipeline. This role focuses on delivering high-quality vector products to support LVV generation and other advanced cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will drive scientific excellence in scaling automation capabilities from concept to operation, integrating analytics, and modeling into downstream workflows, and translating microscale insights into robust, scalable processes—ensuring processes are robust, scalable, and phase-appropriate for GMP manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Build state-of-the-art mechanistic and hybrid models that directly influence the development of LVV downstream processing, build operational efficiency by model-first and AI-enabled development strategies.
- Apply core engineering concepts including mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics to build robust in silico process models.
- Perform data analytics using ML algorithms for modelling and clustering to generate process insights.
- Working closely with team to implement development and optimization of downstream processes including and not limited to: clarification (depth filtration, centrifugation), chromatography (AEX, SEC, HIC), and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) for concentration and diafiltration.
- Direct the translation of bench-scale processes to GMP manufacturing by simulation plus wet lab, ensuring seamless technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs.
- Design/ Implement different Advanced Process Control (APC) strategy (e.g., MPC, State Estimators) to optimise process performance.
- Communicate the potential for issues and delays along with solutions and mitigation approaches.
- In collaboration with the Senior Leaders, CMC Project Manager, Project Leader, and other technical leads identify project acceleration opportunities.
- Leverage advanced science and technology to maximize vector recovery, purity, and potency, identifying creative solutions to define unknowns in the viral vector field.
- Guide a team of scientists in the execution of project-specific activities, fostering a culture of transparency, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.
- Author and serve as a primary reviewer for technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and CMC sections for regulatory submissions (IND/IMPD).
- Work closely with Upstream Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated and holistic process outcomes.
- Tech transfer process to/from other Legend sites or CDMOs
- Resolve conflict and proactively identify/address performance issues.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, bioprocessing engineering or a related field.
- 8+ years (PhD) or 10+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or pharmaceutical setting.
- Strong engineering knowledge of the bioprocessing modeling/simulation and the interaction of biomolecules, materials and machinery.
- Experience with modeling software and programming language such as Python and MATLAB.
- Deep technical experience in purification, chromatography, and TFF.
- Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early-phase and late phase clinical trials.
- Deep knowledge in lentiviral vector technologies within the current emerging field
- Excellent leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication skills; ability to maintain composure and strategic focus during challenging development timelines.
- Creative, strategic thinking
- Strong troubleshooting skills
- Preferred experience in developing vector processes tailored for in vivo CAR-T generation and systemic delivery
- Preferred experience in large scale(>50L) purification process
- Language(s): English. Mandarin is a plus
#Li-JR1
#Li-Onsite
The base pay range below is what Legend Biotech USA Inc. reasonably expects to offer at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify this range as needed and in accordance with applicable laws.
Other Types of Pay: Performance-based bonus and/or equity is available to employees in eligible roles.
Benefits and Paid Time Off: Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one. We offer eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave after just three (3) months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven (11) company holidays. Additional voluntary benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance, and supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance. We also provide voluntary commuter benefits, family planning and care resources, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs; demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a culture where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to permanent full-time employees. Contractors are not eligible for benefits through Legend Biotech.
Work Authorization & Employment Eligibility
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. As part of our commitment to maintaining a lawful workforce and ensuring compliance with federal employment regulations, we participate in the E-Verify program. If you are selected for employment, you will be required to complete the Form I-9 process, and your employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify in accordance with applicable federal law. We are committed to providing a fair, transparent, and welcoming hiring experience for all candidates.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of Legend Biotech to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances.
Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice by the employee or the company.
Skills Required
- Advanced degree, preferably a PhD or alternatively an MS, in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioprocessing Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of process development or manufacturing experience with a PhD, or at least 10 years with an MS, in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
- Strong engineering knowledge of bioprocess modeling and simulation, including interactions among biomolecules, materials, and machinery.
- Experience with modeling software and programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
- Deep technical experience in purification, chromatography, and tangential flow filtration.
- Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early- and late-phase clinical trials.
- Deep knowledge of lentiviral vector technologies.
- Excellent leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication skills, including composure and strategic focus during challenging timelines.
- Creative and strategic thinking skills.
- Strong troubleshooting skills.
- Experience developing vector processes for in vivo CAR-T generation and systemic delivery.
- Experience with large-scale purification processes above 50 liters.
- English language proficiency.
- Mandarin language proficiency.
Legend Biotech Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Legend Biotech and has not been reviewed or approved by Legend Biotech.
-
Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive for many roles, with base rates often described as good or above local industry averages. Feedback suggests posted figures for titles like Specialist, Scientist, and certain HR roles sit above common national benchmarks.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) company match that vests on day one is repeatedly highlighted as a standout element. Immediate vesting increases the tangible value of the retirement offering from the start of employment.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO structures commonly include vacation, personal, sick time, floating holidays, and around 11 company holidays. Several postings outline clear day allocations, signaling breadth and clarity in time-off design.
Legend Biotech Insights
What We Do
Legend Biotech is a global, commercial-stage biotechnology company developing and manufacturing novel therapies. We explore and apply innovative technologies to deliver cutting-edge options for patients around the world. Our corporate headquarters is located in Somerset, NJ, and our manufacturing footprint includes facilities in the United States, China and the Belgium.
