Principal Scientist, Bioinformatics

BioNJ Inc.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Legend Biotech in Somerset, NJ seeks a Principal Scientist, Bioinformatics to lead AI-driven target discovery and binder design for CAR-T therapies. You will develop generative AI models, apply geometric deep learning, and integrate multi-omics data to identify tumor-specific targets.

The role requires a PhD and 3+ years post-PhD in biotech or related field, strong Python/PyTorch expertise, and hands-on experience with AlphaFold, RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN and other structural biology tools to

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology, CS, Structural Biology, or Biophysics.
• 3+ years post-PhD in biotech/pharma or 6+ years MS/BS in computational drug discovery and binder design.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning (PyTorch).
• Experience building generative AI models and agentic AI systems for biomedical data.
• Familiarity with structural biology software (AlphaFold, ESMFold, RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, BindCraft, FoldFlow).
• Experience with physics-based simulation tools (GROMACS, AMBER, OpenMM, PyMOL).
• Knowledge of multi-omics datasets and target evaluation databases.

Responsibilities

• AI-driven target discovery and agentic architecture for multi-omics data mining.
• Develop and adapt generative models to design highly specific binders for tumor antigens.
• Rational design and developability engineering to optimize biophysical properties and CAR-T signaling.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

Generative AI

LLM orchestration

Geometric deep learning

Structural biology

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Biology/CS/Structural Biology/Biophysics

Tools

AlphaFold

ESMFold

RFdiffusion

ProteinMPNN

BindCraft

FoldFlow

GROMACS

AMBER

OpenMM

PyMOL

Job description

Legend Biotech is seeking a Principal Scientist, Bioinformatics as part of the Research & Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is at the forefront of developing innovative cell-based therapies. We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Principal Scientist of Bioinformatics with focus on AI for Drug Discovery & Protein Engineering to join our multidisciplinary R&D team. In this role, you will be a key driver in development of generative AI models and agentic AI systems to discover novel disease targets. Concurrently, you will apply geometric deep learning and structural biology principles to design and refine high-affinity binders (such as scFvs, VHHs, or novel scaffolds) specifically tailored for CAR-T cell therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• AI-driven target discovery & agentic architecture.
  Architect and deploy agentic AI systems to mine multi-omic datasets, clinical literature, and biological pathways for novel, tumor-specific drug targets; Build predictive frameworks using transcriptomics and other datasets to evaluate target draggability and potential off-tumor toxicity.
• Generative AI & model development
  Develop/adapt generative models (e.g., protein language models, diffusion models, and inverse folding algorithms) to design novel, highly specific binders for target tumor antigens; Model immune interfaces using advanced geometric deep learning to predict paratope-epitope interactions, ensuring high specificity and minimizing off-tumor toxicity.
• Rational design, refinement & developability engineering
  Inspect AI-designed binders to fix physical anomalies, optimize hydrophobic packing and hydrogen bonding networks, and resolve steric clashes or backbone strain; Tune binder biophysical properties to achieve optimal CAR-T signaling and prevent T-cell exhaustion.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Computer Science, Structural Biology, or Biophysics.
• 3+ years of post-PhD experience (or 6+ years for MS/BS) in biotech/pharmaceutical industry or advanced research setting focusing on computational drug discovery, target identification, and antibody/binder design.
• Expert programming proficiency and deep learning frameworks in Python and primarily PyTorch.
• Experience building generative AI model, agentic AI systems utilizing LLM orchestration frameworks to query biomedical databases and literature.
• Deep familiarity with structural biology software including AlphaFold, ESMFold, RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, BindCraft, and FoldFlow.
• Proficiency in physics-based simulation and structural optimization/visualization tools (e.g., GROMACS, AMBER, OpenMM, PyMOL).
• Solid understanding of structural immunology; Expertise in interface biophysics, including the ability to calculate interface binding energies (ΔΔG), evaluate electrostatic surface potentials.
• Familiarity with foundational multi-omics platform datasets and target evaluation databases (e.g., TCGA, Open Targets, Human Protein Atlas, DepMap).

#Li-JR1

#Li-Onsite

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.

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.

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