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Downstream Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist

Philadelphia, PA

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 Downstream Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist as part of the US R&D team based in Philadelphia, PA.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist or Scientist to join the Vector Biology team in the department of R&D to support research-stage and early process development for lentiviral vector (LV) downstream workflows. This role will design and execute experiments to rapidly evaluate and optimize purification strategies from harvest through final filtration, enabling internal discovery programs and early translational activities. The ideal candidate is highly hands-on, experimental, and comfortable operating in an iterative R&D environment where speed, learning, and data quality matter.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and execute early-stage downstream process (DSP) experiments to explore purification concepts, identify bottlenecks, and establish fit-for-purpose viral vector downstream process approaches.
  • Rapidly optimize the downstream operations including optimal harvest strategy, clarification, chromatography, concentration (TFF), final filtration and final formulation preparation.
  • Perform routine viral vector purification runs (weekly or as program needs dictation) to generate material for internal research teams, assay development and preclinical enablement.
  • Partner closely with the Upstream team to define handoffs, characterize feed streams, and align harvest timing/conditions with downstream performance.
  • Collaborate with Analytical colleagues to select fit-for-purpose assay and interpret results to guide process decisions and next experiments.
  • Independently plan, conduct, analyze, and present data, translating experimental outcomes into clear next steps and recommendations.
  • Track timelines and deliverables for small-scale early PD work activities, communicating progress, risks and tradeoffs in a fast-moving R&D setting.
  • Support early tech transfer readiness by capturing process learnings, rationale, and draft procedures as processes mature.
  • Prioritize experiments based on learning value, program urgency, and material needs, balancing exploratory studies with routine production support.
  • Recommend DSP path forward using data-driven tradeoffs.
  • Escalate risks and propose mitigations when process performance, timelines, or resource needs could impact research deliverables. 

Requirements

  • PhD in Biochemistry, virology, cell & gene therapy bioengineering or related field.
  • MS with 3-4+ years or BS with 5-6+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Hands-on experience with viral vector downstream processing in a research and/or early process development environment, with a demonstrated ability to iterate quickly and translate learning into next step experiments.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and executing lab- or PD-scale downstream workflows spanning harvest/clarification, chromatography, TFF and sterile filtration to generate material and internal research and early translational needs.
  • Experience partnering with Upstream, Molecular Biology, and Analytical teams to align harvest timing, culture conditions, sampling plans, assay selection, and data interpretation to guide experimental direction.
  • Track record of producing clear, decision-enabling data packages that support down-selection of downstream process options and inform early platform/process strategy.
  • Comfortable operating under shifting R&D priorities, balancing routine purification support with exploratory development studies.
  • Strong hands-on capability across downstream unit operations, including clarification, chromatography, TFF or TFDF system, and sterile filtration.
  • Extensive experience operating and troubleshooting lab-scale chromatography and TFF systems, along with supporting equipment.
  • Strong understanding of viral vector attributes (LV preferred) and the interplay between upstream conditions and downstream performance.
  • Working knowledge and hands-on experience with viral vector titration and characterization and ability to partner with Analytical to select fit-for-purpose readouts and interpret data.
  • Designs well-controlled studies, captures critical run parameters, maintains clear lab records, and communicates outcomes through clear, decision-oriented data summaries.
  • Adaptable to a fast-paced biotech environment with the ability to prioritize and adjust workload as needed.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to operate effectively within a team environment. Thrives in cross-functional teams and contributes positively to lab culture, safety, and operational excellence.
  • Proficient in maintaining accurate, detailed documentation in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) to ensure reproducibility and accessibility.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills for documenting work, presenting data and driving alignment on next steps. 

#Li-JR1

#Li-Hybrid

The anticipated base pay range is

$81,273 - $106,669 USD

Benefits

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can thrive - both professionally and personally. To attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that supports well-being, financial stability, and long-term career growth. Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match that vest fully on day one. Equity and stock options are available to employees in eligible roles. We offer eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes vacation days, personal days, sick time, 11 company holidays, and 3 floating holidays. Additional 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 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. Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to permanent employees. Contract employees are not eligible for benefits through Legend Biotech.

 

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. Legend may adjust base salary or other discretionary compensation at any time based on individual, team, performance, or market conditions.

 

Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.

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