Chief Scientific Officer

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 434,828 - 570,710; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Legend Biotech, based in Somerset, NJ, is seeking a Chief Scientific Officer to lead global Research & Development strategy and operations, delivering advanced cell therapies from concept to Development Candidate. Reporting to the executive team, the CSO will integrate global innovation and drug discovery efforts to sustain leadership in the field.

The role requires a PhD with 15+ years of research leadership, strong cross‑functional and regulatory experience, and a proven ability to guide

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific field.
• World-class scientific accomplishments demonstrated by publications and patents.
• Proven track record of leading research programs and advancing therapies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global research strategy and governance.
• Oversee budget, timelines, and cross-functional project delivery.
• Mentor scientific staff and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Evaluate new technologies, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
• Represent the company in scientific and regulatory forums.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory understanding

Education

PhD or equivalent advanced degree

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 are developing 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.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Chief Scientific Officer as part of the Research & Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is recruiting a visionary scientist, an accomplished drug hunter and a skilled organization/business leader as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The CSO will lead and oversee the global Research strategy and operations and is responsible for driving the scientific vision and overseeing research activities. The CSO is expected to deliver highly innovative and industrial‑leading technology platforms and transformative therapies from initial concept to Development Candidate. Reporting to President of Research and Development, the CSO will be responsible for integrating all global technological innovation and drug discovery strategies and operations to bring cutting‑edge therapies to patients.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing the company’s scientific strategy, managing the Research budget, mentoring scientific staff, and collaborating with stakeholders to bring innovative products and solutions to the market. The CSO will also play a critical role in evaluating new technologies, partnerships, and investment opportunities.

This role requires a deep understanding of scientific principles, strong leadership skills, and the ability to translate complex research into actionable business strategies. As the CSO, you will work closely with executive leadership, product development teams, and external partners to drive innovation and maintain our position at the forefront of cell therapy. You will be expected to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies, foster a culture of impactful innovation and scientific excellence, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in scientific research, preferably with a Ph.D. in a relevant field, and a proven track record of leading successful Research programs and delivering multiple compounds into clinic development. You should be skilled at managing global multidisciplinary teams and representing the company in scientific and regulatory forums. This is a high‑impact role that offers the opportunity to shape the future of our organization through scientific leadership and innovation. If you are an innovative scientist and an accomplished drug hunter and are passionate about science with the strategic vision to lead cutting‑edge research, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop disease centric global research strategy and deliver a robust, diversified and risk‑balanced pipeline of therapeutics.
• Develop and implement global technology and drug discovery plans that align with the company’s business objectives, advancing the company’s pipeline of cell therapies from technology innovation to Development Candidates.
• Oversee global research programs through key milestones, including technological platform innovation and drug discovery, while efficiently managing resources to meet timelines.
• Manage global research budget and ensure resource allocation aligned with strategic priority and efficient return of investment.
• Drive the identification and evaluation of new technologies, research opportunities, partnerships, collaborations and licensing opportunities via BD to expand the company’s pipeline and market position.
• Attract, retain, and develop top talent within the global research organization, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall corporate strategy and decision‑making.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and scientific advancements, ensuring compliance and maintaining the company’s leadership position in cell therapy development.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., immunology, oncology, molecular biology).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Research leadership roles within the biopharma and biotech industry, with a strong focus on cell therapy or immunotherapy.
• World‑class scientific accomplishments demonstrated by a strong record of cutting‑edge research publications and patents.
• Proven track record of successfully advancing multiple therapies from research through early clinical development.
• Extensive experience managing large, global, cross‑functional teams and growing top talents.
• Deep understanding of the global development and regulatory landscape for cell and gene therapies.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to align Research activities with overall company goals.
• Exceptional leadership and team‑building skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and lead high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytic and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive decision‑making in a fast‑paced environment.

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.

Pay Range (Base Pay):

$434,828 - $570,710 USD

Please note: These 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.

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