Upstream Scientist

Legend Biotech is seeking an Upstream Scientist as part of the Research & 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 ciltacabtagene autoleucel (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 an experienced Scientist to join the Upstream team, Vector Biology in Philadelphia, with a focus on in-vivo CAR-T programs. This independent contributor role will own hands-on execution and data-driven development of lentiviral vector upstream processes, including seed train strategy and scale-up from small-scale to 40-Liter bioreactor runs. This Scientist position will closely work with Downstream, Analytical and Technical development partners to ensure end-to-end process alignment, support comparability strategy and readiness, and enable efficient, high-quality technology transfer.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and optimize seed train strategies from shake flask through bioreactors, scaling to 40-L with reproducible performance and clear rational for operating parameters. 
• Execute and optimize lentiviral vector production workflows supporting in-vivo CAR-T application, including transient transfection optimization and/or stable cell line optimization. 
• Perform media optimization, feeding strategy development, and process control adjustments to improve yield, quality, scalability and robustness. 
• Develop and execute fit-for-purpose studies to support scalability and readiness. • Collaborate with internal teams within Vector Biology and coordinate cross-functional activities to support technology transfer to internal Technical Development team. 
• Contribute technical input to cross-functional discussions on experimental design, comparability strategy, and progression of exploratory work into formal process development. • Independently plan, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments with minimal supervision. 
• Deliver clear data summaries and evidence-based recommendations to Vector Biology and cross-functional teams. 
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, study summaries, and slide decks to support decisions on the upstream process development.
• Adhere to BSL-2 biosafety standards and Legend policies, maintaining accurate and compliant electronic lab notebooks and documentation.
• Ensure experimental reproducibility and data integrity through detailed and organized record-keeping. 

Requirements

Education

 BS degree with 5+ years; MS degree with 3+ years; or PhD degree with 1 year’s prior industry experience in Bioengineering, Virology, Cell biology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in lentiviral vector production and characterization (required). 
• Strong experience in mammalian suspension cell culture and upstream bioprocessing. 
• Experience scaling processes to bioreactor systems (up to 50 L preferred). 

Technical Skills – Preferred 

• Experience supporting gene therapy platforms, ideally involving in-vivo viral vector applications. 
• Broad understanding of upstream and downstream process interfaces. 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel and work independently. 
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to develop innovative solutions and meet project objectives. 
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and results in an electronic lab notebook to ensure reproducibility and accessibility. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for documenting work and presenting data to teams.
• Ability to operate effectively as an independent contributor within a collaborative team environment.

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