Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing

Legend Biotech US; New Jersey; On-site; USD 127,313 - 167,099; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) employer match

Paid parental leave (8 weeks)

Job summary

Legend Biotech US in Somerset, NJ seeks a Senior Scientist for Lentivirus Upstream Processing. You will design and optimize upstream production, including seed train expansion, HEK293/HEK293T culture, and bioreactor scale-up to deliver high-titer, GMP-ready vectors for clinical programs.

Requirements include an advanced degree (PhD preferred) and 5–8 years (PhD) or 8+ years (MS) in biotech; GMP experience; strong cross-functional collaboration and documentation skills to support tech transfer

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in a related field (PhD preferred).
• Experience in process development or manufacturing within biotech/pharma.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture with HEK293/HEK293T for viral vectors.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute upstream strategies for lentiviral vector production.
• Optimize seed train expansion and transient transfection to improve titer.
• Support scale-up/scale-down models and tech transfer to GMP manufacture.
• Collaborate with CMC, Analytical Development, and Downstream teams to ensure alignment.
• Document protocols, QC/assay parameters, and regulatory sections as needed.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Seed train expansion

Transient transfection

Bioreactor scale-up

GMP/CMC knowledge

Process development

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering/Bioengineering

Job description

Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing

Somerset, New Jersey, United States

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 ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta-cel). Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of 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.
• Preferred experience in handling large-scale (>50L, e.g., 200L/500L) upstream bioreactor processes.
• Language(s):
• English. Mandarin is a plus.

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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.

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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