Scientist

Merck & Co.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 96,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Eight weeks parental leave

Paid time off & holidays

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Legend Biotech is hiring a Scientist for the Upstream Vector Biology team in Philadelphia, focusing on in‑vivo CAR‑T programs. The role involves hands‑on execution of lentiviral vector upstream processes and scale‑up from small scales to 40 L bioreactors with close collaboration across Molecular Biology, Downstream, and Analytical teams.

The candidate will develop and optimize production workflows, contribute to comparability and readiness studies, and support technology transfer to the internal

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with viral vector production and characterization.
• Experience with mammalian suspension cell culture, transient transfection, and upstream bioprocess development.
• Strong molecular biology skills including plasmid construction and PCR/qPCR/dPCR assays.
• Ability to design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot complex experiments in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and optimize the upstream process from shake flasks to bioreactors (up to 40 L).
• Execute and optimize lentiviral vector production workflows for in‑vivo CAR‑T applications.
• Perform media optimization, feeding strategy development, and process control adjustments to improve yield and robustness.
• Develop and execute studies to support scalability and readiness for technology transfer.
• Collaborate with Vector Biology and cross‑functional teams to support development and technology transfer.

Skills

Viral vector production

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

PCR/qPCR/dPCR

Data analysis

Experiment design

Upstream bioprocess development

BSL-2 biosafety

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical report writing

Education

MS degree with 4+ years in bioengineering/virology

PhD with 1+ year industry experience

Tools

ELNs

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 a Scientist as part of the Research and Development team based in Philadelphia, PA.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech seeks an experienced Scientist to join the Upstream team, Vector Biology in Philadelphia, with a focus on in‑vivo CAR‑T programs. This independent contributor role will own hands‑on execution and data‑driven development of lentiviral vector upstream processes, including seed train strategy and scale‑up from small‑scale to 40‑Liter bioreactor runs. This Scientist position will closely work with Molecular Biology, Downstream, Analytical and Technical development partners to ensure end‑to‑end process alignment, support comparability strategy and readiness, and enable efficient, high‑quality technology transfer.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and optimize the upstream process from shake flask through bioreactors, scaling to 40‑L with reproducible performance and clear rational for operating parameters.
• Execute and optimize lentiviral vector production workflows supporting in‑vivo CAR‑T application, including transient transfection optimization and/or stable cell line optimization.
• Perform media optimization, feeding strategy development, and process control adjustments to improve yield, quality, scalability and robustness.
• Develop and execute fit‑for‑purpose studies to support scalability and readiness.
• Collaborate with internal teams within Vector Biology and coordinate cross‑functional activities to support technology transfer to internal Technical Development team.
• Contribute technical input to cross‑functional discussions on experimental design, comparability strategy, and progression of exploratory work into formal process development.
• Independently plan, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments with minimal supervision.
• Deliver clear data summaries and evidence‑based recommendations to Vector Biology and cross‑functional teams.
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports, study summaries, and slide decks to support decisions on the upstream process development.
• Adhere to BSL‑2 biosafety standards and Legend policies, maintaining accurate and compliant electronic lab notebooks and documentation.
• Ensure experimental reproducibility and data integrity through detailed and organized record‑keeping.

Requirements

• MS degree with 4+ years; or PhD degree with 1 year's prior industry experience in Bioengineering, Virology, Cell biology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience in viral vector production, and characterization.
• Experience with mammalian suspension cell culture, transient transfection, and upstream bioprocess development.
• Strong technical background in molecular biology techniques, including plasmid construction, PCR/qPCR/dPCR based assay, and cell line development.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot complex experiments in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Experience scaling upstream processes from shake flasks to bioreactor system (up to 50 L preferred).
• Experience supporting gene therapy platform development, preferably involving lentiviral vector applications.
• Basic understanding of upstream process development and their impact on product quality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret data and recommend next steps.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate experimental records and documenting data using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) to ensure data traceability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience preparing technical reports and presenting scientific findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Adaptable, self‑motivated, and eager to learn new technologies and experimental approaches.

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)

$96,267—$126,351 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.

For information related to our privacy