Scientist II, CMC Pipeline Innovation

legendcareers; New Jersey; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Legend Biotech is seeking a Scientist II, CMC Pipeline Innovation in Somerset, NJ to advance manufacturing, analytical, and characterization technologies for cell and gene therapies. This role emphasizes hands-on execution of LVV downstream processes, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with development and manufacturing teams.

You will design experiments, evaluate new technologies, and help transfer successful methods into later stages.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, Immunology or related field with 0–3 years of relevant experience preferred; candidates with an MS or BS plus substantial industry/ research experience will also be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with manufacturing unit operations including stirred-tank bioreactor operation, TFF, sterile filtration, and chromatography for biologics/advanced therapy products.
• Prior experience with lentiviral vector (LVV) downstream processing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Execute LVV downstream process development activities, including design, optimization, and scale-up of purification processes.
• Develop and execute proof-of-concept, feasibility, and characterization studies to assess new technologies.
• Design and perform laboratory studies to evaluate emerging manufacturing, analytical, and characterization technologies.
• Support the integration of new technologies into development and manufacturing workflows across cross-functional teams.
• Draft and review experimental protocols, execute studies, and communicate results through technical reports and data-driven recommendations.
• Maintain Innovation laboratory operations including equipment management and procurement to support ongoing projects.
• Make decisions on planning, execution, and prioritization of technical activities and project deliverables; manage day-to-day work with data-driven judgment.

Skills

LVV processing

Bioreactor operation

Chromatography

Filtration

Process development

Education

PhD in Biology

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

PhD in Virology

PhD in Immunology

MS/BS with commensurate experience

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 II, CMC Pipeline Innovation as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

The Scientist II, CMC Pipeline Innovation plays a key role in advancing innovative manufacturing, analytical, and characterization technologies that accelerate the development of cell and gene therapies. This position is responsible for the hands‑on execution of process and analytical studies aimed at improving process understanding, product characterization, quality, scalability, speed, and cost efficiency across the development pipeline.

Working closely with cross‑functional teams, the Scientist II generates scientific and technical data to evaluate emerging technologies, advance technology readiness milestones, and support implementation decisions. The role is expected to communicate innovation outcomes, provide data‑driven recommendations, and facilitate the transfer of successful technologies into development and manufacturing. Through rigorous experimentation, data analysis, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Scientist II helps deliver robust, scalable, and innovative solutions across cell and gene therapy platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Execute lentiviral vector (LVV) downstream process development activities, including the design, optimization, and scale‑up of purification processes utilizing chromatography‑based and alternative separation technologies. Responsibilities include hands‑on development of capture and polishing strategies employing affinity, ion exchange, size‑exclusion, hydrophobic interaction, membrane chromatography, and other purification approaches to improve vector recovery, purity, scalability, and manufacturability.

Develop and execute proof‑of‑concept, feasibility, and characterization studies to assess new technologies and generate data‑driven recommendations for further development, implementation, or discontinuation.

Design and perform laboratory studies to evaluate emerging manufacturing, analytical, and characterization technologies that improve process understanding, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, scalability, and robustness across cell and gene therapy platforms.

Support the implementation and integration of new technologies into development and manufacturing workflows by coordinating cross‑functional activities, establishing success criteria, managing technical risks, and facilitating knowledge transfer to operational teams.

Draft and review experimental protocols with cross‑functional stakeholders, execute studies, and communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and data‑driven recommendations.

Maintain Innovation laboratory operations, including equipment management, material procurement, laboratory organization, and coordination of facility and utility requirements to support ongoing projects.

Make decisions related to the planning, execution, and prioritization of assigned technical activities and project deliverables. You are expected to independently manage day‑to‑day work and recommend solutions based on data and technical judgment. Higher‑level approvals are required for significant changes to project scope, technical strategy, methodologies, resource commitments, or cross‑functional initiatives that may impact organizational objectives.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, Immunology, or a related field with 0‑3 years of relevant experience preferred. Candidates holding an M.S. or B.S. degree with a commensurate combination of additional industry, research, or technical experience that demonstrates equivalent qualifications will also be considered.

Strong hands‑on experience with key manufacturing unit operations, including stirred‑tank bioreactor operation, TFF, sterile filtration, and chromatography, for biologics or advanced therapy products.

Prior experience with lentiviral vector (LVV) pr