Associate Scientist, MSAT (Cell & Gene Therapy)

Merck & Co.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 83,711 - 104,637; Full time

Job summary

Legend Biotech, based in Somerset, NJ, is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Global MSAT Automation team. The role supports automated instrument workflows and maintains materials inventory in a fast-paced GMP environment.

You will collaborate with automation development and procurement teams to uphold aseptic techniques and ensure real-time inventory accuracy. This position requires a biology or biotech background with hands-on cell therapy experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, or related life sciences field (master's preferred).
• 2+ years in cell therapy manufacturing operations or GMP biologics/cell manufacturing development.

Responsibilities

• Cell Therapy Processing Support – perform cell culture enrichment, maintenance and analytical assays using automated platforms and instruments.
• Ordering & procurement – manage full ordering lifecycle via lab inventory platforms, process material requests and track shipments.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Cross-functional collaboration

Inventory management

Lab inventory software

Materials procurement

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/biotech/life sciences

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Barcoding & real-time tracking systems

Job description

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life‑threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we develop advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T‑cell, T‑cell receptor (TCR‑T), and natural killer (NK) cell‑based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting‑edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta‑cel). Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Associate Scientist, Global MSAT Automation

Legend Biotech is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our Global MSAT Automation team based in Somerset, NJ. This role combines cell therapy manufacturing studies with basic lab operations, supporting automated instrument workflow studies and managing inventory and availability of materials in a fast‑paced, GMP‑regulated environment.

Role Overview

This role provides critical support to keep our cell therapy manufacturing automation lab running smoothly. From operating advanced automated instruments to maintaining real‑time inventory, you will work cross‑functionally with automation development teams and procurement, upholding the highest standards of GMP compliance and aseptic techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Cell Therapy Processing Support – Perform cell culture enrichment, maintenance and analytical assays using cell therapy manufacturing processes, automated platforms, and instruments.
• Ordering & Procurement – Manage the full ordering lifecycle via designated lab inventory platforms, including processing material requests and tracking shipments. Knowledge of cell therapy manufacturing materials is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, or a related life sciences field (master's preferred).
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in cell therapy manufacturing operations or GMP biologics/cell manufacturing development (CAR‑T, stem cell, or autologous/allogeneic therapies strongly preferred).
• High proficiency in aseptic techniques within a Grade B cleanroom environment.
• Working knowledge of cold‑chain logistics, short‑shelf‑life material handling, and storage optimization.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a dynamic, high‑throughput setting.
• Experience ordering and managing materials specific to cell therapy manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with lab inventory software featuring barcoding, real‑time tracking, and automated reorder workflows.

Benefits and Compensation

Base pay range: $83,711—$104,637 USD. 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; 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one; eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave after three (3) months of employment; paid time off including vacation, personal, sick, 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. Benefits are offered exclusively to permanent full‑time employees; contractors are not eligible for benefits through Legend Biotech.

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.

For information related to our privacy notice, please review: Legend Biotech Privacy Notice.