Scientist, Molecular Biology

Legend Biotech USA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Legend Biotech USA is seeking a Molecular Biology Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist in Philadelphia, PA, to support LVV design, construction and functional evaluation, along with engineered cell line development for CAR-T and related programs.

The role emphasizes reliable experimental execution, timely materials delivery, and clear data communication within the Vector Biology team, contributing to fast-paced translational research efforts.

Qualifications

• Hands-on molecular cloning, cell engineering and mammalian cell culture required.
• Experience with viral vector workflows and titering is preferred.
• Strong ELN documentation and adherence to SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Execute viral vector design and construction to support gene overexpression, knock-down and knock-out studies.
• Perform molecular cloning workflows and ensure plasmid QC standards.
• Maintain plasmid records and support cross-functional construct requests.
• Generate engineered mammalian cell lines for vector production and cell engineering.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and transient transfection under BSL-2 conditions.
• Support small-scale vector production for early development activities.
• Execute assays (qPCR/dPCR, ELISA/Western blot, flow cytometry) to evaluate vector performance.
• Analyze data, summarize results, and present conclusions to project leads.
• Adhere to BSL-2 biosafety standards and maintain compliant notebooks.
• Collaborate on tech transfer activities and project planning.

Skills

Molecular cloning

Cell engineering

Mammalian cell culture

qPCR/dPCR

Flow cytometry

ELISA/Western blot

BSL-2 practices

Data analysis

Scientific communication

CRISPR/Cas gene editing

Document control

Education

MS with 5+ years or PhD with 0-2 years

Tools

ELN documentation

Job description

Legend Biotech is seeking a Molecular Biology Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist as part of the Research & Early Development team based in Philadelphia, PA.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabta gene autolecuel (cilta-cel). Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech seeks a motivated molecular biologist to join the Vector Biology team in Philadelphia, supporting lentiviral vector (LVV) design, construction, and functional evaluation, as well as engineered cell line development to enable CAR-T and other cell therapy programs. This role emphasizes reliable experimental execution, timely delivery of materials, and clear data communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute viral vector plasmid and helper plasmid design and construction to support gene overexpression, knock-down, and knock-out studies independently.
• Perform routine molecular cloning workflows and ensure plasmid quality meets established QC standards for vector production.
• Maintain accurate plasmid records including sequence files, maps, inventory/locations and support internal construct requests in partnership with other cross-functional teams.
• Generate and characterize engineered mammalian cell lines for transient or stable viral vector production, single-cell cloning, cell engineering, and basic characterization.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and transient transfection under BSL-2 conditions.
• Support small-scale vector production using suspension cell lines for early development activities.
• Execute molecular/cellular assays to evaluate vector performance using qPCR/dPCR, ELISA/Western Blot, and flow cytometry.
• Analyze data, summarize results, present clear experiment conclusions, escalat**e** issues, and propose next steps to project leads.
• Adhere to BSL-2 biosafety standards and Legend policies, maintaining accurate and compliant electronic lab notebooks and documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functional support tech transfer activities as needed.
• Independently plans day-to-day execution within project goals, recommends optimizations and next experiments.

Requirements

• Scientist: M.S. with 5+ years or Ph.D. with 0-2 years in a related field; hands-on molecular cloning, cell engineering and mammalian cell culture required.
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques (cloning, plasmid prep, sequence analysis and construct verification).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transient transfection; familiarity with BSL-2 practices and documentation.
• Experience generating engineered cell lines (stable expression and/or CRISPR KO/KI) including cloning and basic screening (Scientist preferred).
• Exposure to viral vector production and/or viral vector workflows (LVV preferred).
• Experience with titering and functional readouts (e.g., transduction efficiency and gene expression).
• Experience with qPCR/dPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, and ELISA for tittering and functional assays.
• Strong ELN documentation, sample tracking, and ability to follow protocols/SOPs with attention to detail.
• Adaptable to a fast-paced environment; effective prioritization, collaboration, and communication.
• CRISPR/Cas gene editing for KO/KI or multiplexed cell lines.
• Familiarity with viral vector process development concepts (upstream and/or downstream).
• Exposure to NGS or Nanopore sequencing for vector or genome characterization.
• Tech transfer and/or CMC documentation experience (nice to have).
• Organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple experiments/projects.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and implement improvement.
• Collaborative; able to work effectively within a team environment.
• Maintain accurate ELN, sample tracking, and inventory records.
• Clear written and verbal communication for documentation and data presentation.

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.

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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