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Chief Scientific Officer

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 Chief Scientific Officer as part of the Research & Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is recruiting a visionary scientist, an accomplished drug hunter and a skilled organization/business leader as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The CSO will lead and oversee the global Research strategy and operations and is responsible for driving the scientific vision and overseeing research activities. The CSO is expected to deliver highly innovative and industrial-leading technology platforms and transformative therapies from initial concept to Development Candidate. Reporting to President of Research and Development, the CSO will be responsible for integrating all global technological innovation and drug discovery strategies and operations to bring cutting-edge therapies to patients.
Key responsibilities include developing and implementing the company’s scientific strategy, managing the Research budget, mentoring scientific staff, and collaborating with stakeholders to bring innovative products and solutions to the market. The CSO will also play a critical role in evaluating new technologies, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
This role requires a deep understanding of scientific principles, strong leadership skills, and the ability to translate complex research into actionable business strategies. As the CSO, you will work closely with executive leadership, product development teams, and external partners to drive innovation and maintain our position at the forefront of cell therapy. You will be expected to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies, foster a culture of impactful innovation and scientific excellence, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in scientific research, preferably with a Ph.D. in a relevant field, and a proven track record of leading successful Research programs and delivering multiple compounds into clinic development. You should be skilled at managing global multidisciplinary teams and representing the company in scientific and regulatory forums.
This is a high-impact role that offers the opportunity to shape the future of our organization through scientific leadership and innovation. If you are an innovative scientist and an accomplished drug hunter and are passionate about science with the strategic vision to lead cutting-edge research, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop disease centric global research strategy and deliver a robust, diversified and risk-balanced pipeline of therapeutics.
  • Develop and implement global technology and drug discovery plans that align with the company’s business objectives, advancing the company’s pipeline of cell therapies from technology innovation to Development Candidates.
  • Oversee global research programs through key milestones, including technological platform innovation and drug discovery, while efficiently managing resources to meet timelines.
  • Manage global research budget and ensure resource allocation aligned with strategic priority and efficient return of investment.
  • Drive the identification and evaluation of new technologies, research opportunities, partnerships, collaborations and licensing opportunities via BD to expand the company’s pipeline and market position.
  • Attract, retain, and develop top talent within the global research organization, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
  • Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall corporate strategy and decision-making.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and scientific advancements, ensuring compliance and maintaining the company’s leadership position in cell therapy development.

Requirements

  • PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., immunology, oncology, molecular biology).
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in Research leadership roles within the biopharma and biotech industry, with a strong focus on cell therapy or immunotherapy.
  • World-class scientific accomplishments demonstrated by a strong record of cutting-edge research publications and patents.
  • Proven track record of successfully advancing multiple therapies from research through early clinical development.
  • Extensive experience managing large, global, cross-functional teams and growing top talents.
  • Deep understanding of the global development and regulatory landscape for cell and gene therapies.
  • Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to align Research activities with overall company goals.
  • Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and lead high-performing teams.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Strong analytic and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

#Li-AS1

#Li-Hybrid

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):

$434,828 - $570,710 USD

Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to permanent full-time employees. Contractors 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.

 
For information related to our privacy notice, please review: Legend Biotech Privacy Notice.

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I (the candidate) enter into this Non-Disclosure Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Legend Biotech USA Inc. (the “Company”), effective as of the date of my acknowledgement below, for the purpose of enabling the Company to evaluate a possible employment relationship with me.

  1. Access to Company Confidential Information. I acknowledge that for the sole and limited purpose of evaluating a possible employment relationship with me, the Company might disclose, or enable me to have access to, certain Confidential Information of the Company, as defined below.  I agree that, except for purposes of evaluating a possible employment relationship with the Company or as expressly authorized in writing by the Company, I will (a) not use or disclose any Confidential Information; (b) keep all Confidential Information confidential at all times; and (c) not copy, reproduce or modify any Confidential Information.
  2. Definition of “Confidential Information.” For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean any and all information and materials provided to me by the Company, including without limitation, inventions, trade secrets, software code, product development and marketing strategies, ideas, processes, formulas, know-how, unpublished financial information, business plans, contractual relationships with third parties and operating strategies; memoranda, notes, records, drawings, manuals, disks, or other documents and media; and all embodiments, copies, extracts, and summaries thereof; provided, however, that “Confidential Information” shall not include information that: (a) is generally known or available to the public, or (b) is furnished to me by a third party who obtained such information using lawful means and without any restrictions on disclosure.
  3. Third Party Information. I agree that during the course of communications with the Company pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with my application and interviews for employment with the Company, I will not make any unauthorized use or disclosure to the Company of any confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets of any other person or entity to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information, including any current or former employer.  I further agree not to provide to the Company any materials or documents of any third party that are not generally available to the public.
  4. Remedies for Breach. I acknowledge that in the event of any breach of this Agreement, the Company will not have an adequate remedy in money or damages, and therefore the Company shall be entitled to obtain temporary, preliminary and/or permanent injunctive relief to redress any such breach, from any court of competent jurisdiction, and that the Company’s right to obtain such relief shall not limit its right to obtain other available remedies.
  5. General. The interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matters hereof; it supersedes any and all prior agreements or representations, written or oral, with respect to its subject matters; and it cannot be modified except in a written agreement signed by the Company.

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