Executive Director, Early Clinical Development

Legendcareers; New Jersey; On-site; USD 339,000 - 444,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Equity

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Legend Biotech seeks an Executive Director, Early Clinical Development in Somerset, NJ to lead the Early Clinical Development Team and IND submissions. You will design and oversee first-in-human trials, ensuring biomarker plans and PK/PD integration align with the clinical development strategy.

Ideal candidates have MD/MD-PhD with US board certification in hematology/oncology and 6+ years in clinical development, with strong leadership and communication skills in a fast-paced biotech setting.

Qualifications

• MD or MD-PhD with US board certification in hematology/oncology.
• 6+ years in industry/academic clinical development in hematology/oncology.
• Experience leading cross-functional development teams and IND execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, execution and reporting of early (first-in-human) trials.
• Integrate PK/PD, biomarkers, and diagnostic plans into development strategy.
• Oversee study protocols, medical monitoring, safety reporting, and regulatory interactions.
• Represent the project with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional

Presentation

Strategic thinking

Education

MD or MD-PhD

US board certification in hematology/oncology

Job description

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 an Executive Director, Early Clinical Development as part of the Clinical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

The Executive Director of Early Clinical Development is a critical role in the company with significant impact on the development and life cycle of drug development projects. The candidate for this role will be responsible to lead the Early Clinical Development Team, for IND submission and the design, execution and oversight of first-in-human, dose finding clinical trials. Full understanding of tenets of FIH studies (e.g. dose selection rationale, biomarker plans, etc.) and the relevant compliance framework for clinical development activities are essential. Candidate must possess passion for science and patients, as well as entrepreneurial drive to help the organization succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical science aspects of design, execution, interpretation and reporting of early (first in human) stage clinical trials.
• Collaborate with scientists and technical experts to integrate cellular therapy specific aspects of PK/PD, diagnostic, and biomarker plans into the overall clinical development strategy.
• Contribute clinical leadership and expertise in the development of study protocols and clinical study reports, study medical monitoring, safety reporting, regulatory documentation and interactions, and other clinical deliverables.
• Collaborate with academic scientists, clinical experts, and study investigators.
• Represent and advocate for the project in internal and external venues.
• Clinical leadership for business development and partnership activities as needed.
• Act as a champion for high standards of compliance, ethics and safety, and putting patients first.

Requirements

• MD or MD-PhD or equivalent medical degree with US board certification in hematology and/or oncology.
• 6+ years’ industry/ academic clinical development experience in hematology/oncology, leading cross-functional development teams is required.
• Sub-specialization and/or clinical development experience in cell therapies or CAR‑T is highly desirable.
• Experience in biotech - preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated capacity to think creatively when addressing complex situations
• Demonstrated excellence and experience in first-in-human clinical development including the design, execution of first in human trial, and submission of INDs.
• Experience leading pre‑IND and IND meetings with health authorities is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; willingness to “roll up the sleeves” to contribute to team efforts in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment; stellar writing skills, a track record of publications; superb presentation skills
• Able to anticipate biometrics, regulatory, clinical operations, development sciences, pharmacovigilance, and other development needs to ensure successful program delivery
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross functional teams such as pre‑clinical scientists, clinical operations, safety‑PV, biomarker, biostatistics, regulatory, and project management including peer to peer interactions with academic scientific experts, KOLs and stake holders.
• Assure that the highest quality, ethical & professional values are demonstrated in all aspects of the team work
• Ensures compliance with corporate policies and procedures, as well as, all related healthcare laws and regulations
• Highly collaborative & effective influencing skills and the ability to operate across multiple geographies
• Strong track record of delivering results through effective team and peer leadership in matrix
• Superior interpersonal skills, & communication skills ensuring full alignment of cross functional teams. Ability to effectively manage conflicts and negotiations while providing impact and influence. Communicate regularly and effectively with senior leaders.
• Excellent leadership & organizational skills, analytical skills, presentation skills, and strong experience in translating medical/clinical information into clinical development strategies.
• Travel requirement up to 15-20 % of the time.

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Pay Range (Base Pay)

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): $338,656 — $444,486 USD

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.

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