Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing

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 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 Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

The Senior Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development, will be a core technical contributor responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing upstream production processes for lentiviral vectors (LVV) within our innovative pipeline. This role focuses on delivering high‑quality, high‑titer vector products to support LVV generation and other advanced cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will apply technical expertise in upstream processing (USP)—including seed train optimization, mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T), large‑scale transient transfection, and bioreactor scale‑up—to ensure processes are robust, scalable, and phase‑appropriate for GMP manufacturing. This position demands a blend of hands‑on technical mastery and strong analytical thinking to support project timelines while maintaining a patient‑focused approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental strategies for lentiviral vector upstream production.
• Perform development and optimization of upstream processes, including seed train expansion, suspension mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T), plasmid transient transfection optimization, and feed batch/perfusion bioprocessing in stir‑tank and rocker bioreactors.
• Support the establishment and validation of bioreactor scale‑up and scale‑down models to ensure process comparability and predictability.
• Support the translation of bench‑scale processes to GMP manufacturing, assisting in technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs.
• Execute study protocols to define operating parameters, feeding strategies, and performance limits; maintain accurate documentation for USP data.
• Communicate technical findings, issues, and potential delays to project leads in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional team members, including CMC Project Management and other technical leads, to support project goals.
• Apply scientific knowledge and technology to optimize vector titer, specific productivity, and quality.
• Support team activities by providing technical guidance to junior staff, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and continuous improvement.
• Author and review technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and relevant sections for regulatory submissions (IND).
• Work closely with Downstream Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated process outcomes.
• Support tech transfer activities to/from other Legend sites or CDMOs.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 5-8 years (PhD) or 8+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture (HEK293, HEK293T), seed train expansion, feeding strategy, and transient transfection optimization specifically for viral vectors (Lentivirus preferred).
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing bioreactor scale‑up and scale‑down models.
• Solid understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early‑phase clinical trials.
• Direct experience with cell and lentiviral vector technologies within the current emerging field.
• Working knowledge in engineering modeling, mass transfer, and bioprocess optimization.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to maintain focus and collaborate effectively during challenging development timelines.
• Analytical and creative thinking.
• Effective troubleshooting skills.
• Preferred experience in handling large‑scale ( >50L, e.g., 200L/500L) upstream bioreactor processes.
• Language(s):
• English. Mandarin is a plus.

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)

$127,313 - $167,099 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.

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