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 Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.
Role Overview
The Senior Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development, will be a core technical contributor responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing upstream production processes for lentiviral vectors (LVV) within our innovative pipeline. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, high-titer vector products to support LVV generation and other advanced cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will apply technical expertise in upstream processing (USP)—including seed train optimization, mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T), large-scale transient transfection, and bioreactor scale-up—to ensure processes are robust, scalable, and phase-appropriate for GMP manufacturing. This position demands a blend of hands-on technical mastery and strong analytical thinking to support project timelines while maintaining a patient-focused approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute experimental strategies for lentiviral vector upstream production.
- Perform development and optimization of upstream processes, including seed train expansion, suspension mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T), plasmid transient transfection optimization, and feed batch/perfusion bioprocessing in stir-tank and rocker bioreactors.
- Support the establishment and validation of bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models to ensure process comparability and predictability.
- Support the translation of bench-scale processes to GMP manufacturing, assisting in technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs.
- Execute study protocols to define operating parameters, feeding strategies, and performance limits; maintain accurate documentation for USP data.
- Communicate technical findings, issues, and potential delays to project leads in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with cross-functional team members, including CMC Project Management and other technical leads, to support project goals.
- Apply scientific knowledge and technology to optimize vector titer, specific productivity, and quality.
- Support team activities by providing technical guidance to junior staff, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and continuous improvement.
- Author and review technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and relevant sections for regulatory submissions (IND).
- Work closely with Downstream Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated process outcomes.
- Support tech transfer activities to/from other Legend sites or CDMOs.
- Ensure compliance with all internal and regulatory requirements.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 5-8 years (PhD) or 8+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture (HEK293, HEK293T), seed train expansion, feeding strategy, and transient transfection optimization specifically for viral vectors (Lentivirus preferred).
- Demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models.
- Solid understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early-phase clinical trials.
- Direct experience with cell and lentiviral vector technologies within the current emerging field.
- Working knowledge in engineering modeling, mass transfer, and bioprocess optimization.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to maintain focus and collaborate effectively during challenging development timelines.
- Analytical and creative thinking.
- Effective troubleshooting skills.
- Preferred experience in handling large-scale (>50L, e.g., 200L/500L) upstream bioreactor processes.
- Language(s):
- English. Mandarin is a plus.
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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
- PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field
- 5–8 years of process development or manufacturing experience with a PhD, or 8+ years with an MS, in biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience with HEK293 or HEK293T cells
- Experience with seed train expansion, feeding strategies, and transient transfection optimization for viral vectors, preferably lentivirus
- Experience developing and implementing bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models
- Understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early-phase clinical trials
- Direct experience with cell and lentiviral vector technologies
- Working knowledge of engineering modeling, mass transfer, and bioprocess optimization
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Analytical and creative thinking skills
- Effective troubleshooting skills
- English language proficiency
- Experience handling large-scale upstream bioreactor processes over 50L, such as 200L or 500L
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
