Principal Scientist, Upstream Process, Process Development

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life‑threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we develop 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.

Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development – Technical Development team, Somerset, NJ

The Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development, will be a key technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling upstream production processes for lentiviral vectors (LVV) within our innovative pipeline. This role focuses on delivering high‑quality, high‑titer vector products to support LVV generation and other advanced cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will drive scientific excellence in upstream processing (USP)—including seed train optimization, mammalian cell culture (HEK
293 and HEK
293T), large‑scale transient transfection, and bioreactor scale‑up and scale‑down model—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.

• Design and execute highly efficient upstream production strategies for lentiviral vectors.
• Direct the development and optimization of upstream processes including seed train expansion, suspension mammalian cell culture (HEK
  293/HEK
  293T), plasmid transient transfection optimization, and feed batch/perfusion bioprocessing in stir‑tank and rocker bioreactors.
• Establish and validate robust bioreactor scale‑up and scale‑down models to ensure process comparability and predictability across different manufacturing scales.
• Direct the translation of bench‑scale processes to GMP manufacturing, ensuring seamless technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs.
• Provide hands‑on training as needed.
• Lead the execution of study protocols to define operating parameters, feeding strategies, and performance limits; implement state‑of‑the‑art knowledge management for USP data.
• Communicate the potential for issues and delays along with solutions and mitigation approaches.
• In collaboration with senior leaders, CMC Project Manager, Project Leader, and other technical leads, identify project acceleration opportunities.
• Leverage advanced science and technology to maximize vector titer, specific productivity, and quality, identifying creative solutions to define unknowns in the viral vector production field.
• Guide a team of scientists in the execution of project‑specific activities, fostering a culture of transparency, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Author and serve as a primary reviewer for technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and CMC sections for regulatory submissions (IND).
• Work closely with Downstream Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated and holistic process outcomes.
• Tech transfer process to/from other Legend sites or CDMOs.
• Resolve conflict and proactively identify and address performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 8+ years (PhD) or 10+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or…