Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development
The Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will lead the design, optimization, and scaling of purification processes for lentiviral vectors (LVV) within Legend Biotech's innovative pipeline. This role focuses on delivering high-quality vector products to support LVV generation and other advanced cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will drive scientific excellence in downstream processing (DSP)—including clarification, chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), sterile filtration, and fill/finish—ensuring processes are robust, scalable, and phase-appropriate for GMP manufacturing. This position demands a blend of hands-on technical mastery and strategic thinking to accelerate timelines while maintaining a patient-focused approach.
Key responsibilities include designing and executing efficient purification strategies for lentiviral vectors, specifically optimized for CAR-T applications. The role involves developing and optimizing downstream processes such as clarification (depth filtration, centrifugation), chromatography (anion exchange, size exclusion, hydrophobic interaction), and TFF for concentration and diafiltration. The Principal Scientist will also oversee the translation of bench-scale processes to GMP manufacturing, ensuring seamless technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs. Additionally, the position requires leading the execution of study protocols to define operating parameters and performance limits, implementing state-of-the-art knowledge management for DSP data, and collaborating with senior leaders and technical teams to identify project acceleration opportunities.
The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. They should have 8+ years (PhD) or 10+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or pharmaceutical setting. Deep technical hands-on experience in purification, chromatography, and TFF specifically for viral vectors (Lentivirus preferred) is essential. A strong understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early-phase clinical trials is required. The candidate should also demonstrate excellent leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication skills, with the ability to maintain composure and strategic focus during challenging development timelines.
Legend Biotech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one. Employees are eligible for eight weeks of paid parental leave after three months of employment and a paid time off policy that includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven 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. The company also provides voluntary commuter benefits, family planning and care resources, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs, demonstrating a commitment to building a culture where employees feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, the company is 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 its three R&D sites around the world, Legend Biotech applies these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious, and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide. The company has 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). This 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.