Scientist II, CMC Pipeline Innovation
The Scientist II, CMC Pipeline Innovation at Legend Biotech US is a pivotal role within the Technical Development team, based in Somerset, New Jersey. This position focuses on advancing manufacturing, analytical, and characterization technologies to accelerate the development of cell and gene therapies. The Scientist II is responsible for executing process and analytical studies aimed at enhancing process understanding, product characterization, quality, scalability, speed, and cost efficiency across the development pipeline.
Key responsibilities include executing lentiviral vector (LVV) downstream process development activities, such as designing, optimizing, and scaling up purification processes using chromatography-based and alternative separation technologies. The role also involves developing and executing proof-of-concept, feasibility, and characterization studies to assess new technologies, as well as designing and performing laboratory studies to evaluate emerging manufacturing, analytical, and characterization technologies. Additionally, the Scientist II supports the implementation and integration of new technologies into development and manufacturing workflows by coordinating cross-functional activities, establishing success criteria, managing technical risks, and facilitating knowledge transfer to operational teams.
Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, Immunology, or a related field, with 0-3 years of relevant experience preferred. Alternatively, candidates with an M.S. or B.S. degree and a commensurate combination of additional industry, research, or technical experience will also be considered. Strong hands-on experience with key manufacturing unit operations, including stirred-tank bioreactor operation, tangential flow filtration (TFF), sterile filtration, and chromatography for biologics or advanced therapy products, is essential. Prior experience with lentiviral vector processes and associated analytical tools is desirable but not required. Familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other data-driven approaches, with experience applying these technologies to bioprocess development, analytical characterization, manufacturing innovation, and gene therapy manufacturing platforms, is considered a plus.
The compensation for this role ranges from $110,706 to $145,303 annually. Benefits include paid parental leave, paid time off, 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. Additional benefits encompass commuter benefits, family planning and care resources, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs.
Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating and, one day, curing life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, the company is advancing the next generation of cell therapy through a portfolio of innovative technologies, including autologous, allogeneic, and in vivo cell therapy approaches. The 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. The company is committed to discovering and developing safe, effective, and cutting-edge therapies for patients worldwide.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of innovative therapies in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The Scientist II will work closely with cross-functional teams, generating scientific and technical data to evaluate emerging technologies and support implementation decisions. Through rigorous experimentation, data analysis, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Scientist II helps deliver robust, scalable, and innovative solutions across cell and gene therapy platforms.