Senior Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process

BioSpace; New Jersey; On-site; USD 127,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Eight weeks paid parental leave

Paid time off and holidays

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Legend Biotech in Somerset, NJ, seeks a Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing, to design, execute, and optimize upstream production of lentiviral vectors for advanced cell therapy programs.

You will lead seed train optimization, HEK293 culture, transfection, and bioreactor scale-up, ensuring GMP readiness and supporting tech transfer. Collaborate with CMC, analytical, and other teams to deliver robust, high-titer vectors.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or related field.
• 5–8 years (PhD) or 8+ years (MS) in biotech process development.
• Experience with HEK293/HEK293T and lentiviral vectors.
• Proficient in bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models.
• Understanding GMP manufacturing and early-phase CMC.
• Experience with tech transfer and regulatory documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental strategies for lentiviral vector upstream production.
• Develop and optimize upstream processes including seed train expansion and mammalian culture.
• Support bioreactor scale‑up/scale‑down models for GMP manufacturing.
• Assist technology transfer and provide troubleshooting during clinical runs.
• Document study protocols and maintain USP data.
• Communicate findings and timelines to project leads.
• Collaborate with CMC, analytical, and other teams to meet goals.
• Apply knowledge to optimize titer and product quality.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to SOPs and regulatory docs.
• Support cross-site transfers and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Lentivirus upstream processing

HEK293/HEK293T culture

Bioreactor scale-up

CMC strategies

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

GMP knowledge

Education

PhD preferred

MS degree

Tools

Bioreactors

Transient transfection optimization

Scale-up modeling

IND documentation

Job description

Legend Biotech in Somerset, NJ, seeks a Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing, to design, execute, and optimize upstream production of lentiviral vectors for advanced cell therapy programs.

You will lead seed train optimization, HEK293 culture, transfection, and bioreactor scale-up, ensuring GMP readiness and supporting tech transfer. Collaborate with CMC, analytical, and other teams to deliver robust, high-titer vectors.