Scientist, Molecular Assays

Legend Biotech, Inc.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 96,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave (8 weeks)

Paid time off including vacation, sick

Job summary

Legend Biotech is seeking a Scientist, Molecular Assays to join the Bioanalytical Sciences team in Somerset, NJ. The role focuses on developing, executing, and optimizing molecular assays for clinical programs, with emphasis on qPCR, ddPCR and NGS workflows.

The ideal candidate has hands-on molecular biology experience, meticulous data handling, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment supporting cell and gene therapies.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD with 3+ years (PhD) / 8+ years (MS) of relevant experience.
• Hands-on with qPCR, ddPCR and NGS library prep.
• Experience in regulated lab environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology experiments for clinical, translational and preclinical studies.
• Execute qPCR/ddPCR assays for gene expression and biomarker quantification.
• Prepare libraries for NGS, including single-cell RNA sequencing workflows.
• Maintain data quality, documentation and SOPs; support lab operations.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

MS in Life Sciences or related field

PhD in related discipline (optional)

Tools

qPCR

ddPCR

NGS workflows

LIMS/ELN systems

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, Molecular Assays as part of the Bioanalytical Sciences team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our Bioanalytical Sciences team. This position will support the development, execution, and optimization of molecular assays for clinical, translational, and preclinical programs. The successful candidate will contribute to a broad range of molecular biology activities, with primary responsibilities focused on quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), including single-cell sequencing workflows.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, strong laboratory execution skills, and exceptional attention to detail. Experience with qPCR, ddPCR, nucleic acid extraction, NGS library preparation, and biological sample processing is highly desirable. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to work in a fast-paced biotechnology environment supporting innovative cell and gene therapy programs while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology experiments supporting clinical, translational, and preclinical research programs.
• Execute qPCR and ddPCR assays for gene expression analysis, biomarker quantification, transgene detection, vector copy number determination, and biodistribution studies.
• Support development, optimization, qualification, transfer, and troubleshooting of molecular assays.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, quantification, and quality assessment from blood, tissue, cell culture, and other biological samples.
• Prepare samples and perform library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
• Operate and maintain molecular biology instrumentation, including qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS-related platforms.
• Analyze experimental data, ensure data quality, maintain accurate laboratory documentation, and assist in the preparation of protocols, SOPs, technical reports, and assay-related documents.
• Process, track, and manage biological samples using LIMS and ELN systems while ensuring sample integrity and traceability.
• Support laboratory operations, including inventory management, sample shipments, equipment maintenance, and laboratory organization.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, assay performance, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• M.S. in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. in a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and/or ddPCR.
• Experience with NGS workflows and library preparation; single-cell sequencing experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with assay development, data analysis, and biological sample processing.
• Experience in cell and gene therapy, immunology, oncology, or regulated laboratory environments is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Commitment to data quality, laboratory safety, and continuous learning.
• Work in a clinical, research, pharmaceutical, or diagnostic laboratory.
• May require standing for extended periods and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Involve handling biological specimens and hazardous materials following safety guidelines.
• AI Literacy: Possesses a working knowledge of AI technologies and approved AI tools, applies them responsibly to enhance productivity and decision-making, exercises appropriate human oversight of AI-generated outputs, and complies with organizational policies governing AI use.

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): $96,267 USD - $126,351 USD

Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to permanent full-time employees. Contractors are not eligible for benefits through Legend Biotech.

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 notice, please review: Legend Biotech Privacy Notice.