Molecular Biology Scientist​/Senior Associate Scientist

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, a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta‑cel). This partnership combines the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech seeks a motivated molecular biologist to join the Vector Biology team in Philadelphia, supporting lentiviral vector (LVV) design, construction, functional evaluation, and engineered cell line development to enable CAR‑T and other cell therapy programs. The role emphasizes reliable experimental execution, timely delivery of materials, and clear data communication.

• Execute viral vector plasmid and helper plasmid design and construction to support gene over-expression, knock‑down, and knock‑out studies independently.
• Perform routine molecular cloning workflows and ensure plasmid quality meets established QC standards for vector production.
• Maintain accurate plasmid records including sequence files, maps, inventory locations and support internal construct requests in partnership with cross‑functional teams.
• Generate and characterize engineered mammalian cell lines for transient or stable viral vector production, single‑cell cloning, cell engineering, and basic characterization.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and transient transfection under BSL‑2 conditions.
• Support small‑scale vector production using suspension cell lines for early development activities.
• Execute molecular and cellular assays to evaluate vector performance using qPCR/dPCR, ELISA, Western blot, and flow cytometry.
• Analyze data, summarize results, present clear experiment conclusions, and propose next steps to project leads.
• Adhere to BSL‑2 biosafety standards and Legend policies, maintaining accurate and compliant electronic lab notebooks and documentation.
• Collaborate cross‑functional support tech transfer activities as needed.
• Independently plan day‑to‑day execution within project goals, recommend optimizations and next experiments.

• MS with 5+ years or PhD with 0–2 years in a related field; hands‑on molecular cloning, cell engineering and mammalian cell culture required.
• Hands‑on experience in molecular biology techniques (cloning, plasmid prep, sequence analysis and construct verification).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transient transfection; familiarity with BSL‑2 practices and documentation.
• Experience generating engineered cell lines (stable expression and/or CRISPR KO/KI) including cloning and basic screening (Scientist preferred).
• Exposure to viral vector production and/or viral vector workflows (LVV preferred).
• Experience with titering and functional readouts (e.g., transduction efficiency and gene expression).
• Experience with qPCR/dPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, and ELISA for titering and functional assays.
• Strong ELN documentation, sample tracking and ability to follow protocols/SOPs with attention to detail.
• Adaptable to a fast‑paced environment; effective prioritization, collaboration and communication.
• CRISPR/Cas gene editing for KO/KI or multiplexed cell lines.
• Familiarity with viral vector process development concepts (upstream and/or downstream).
• Exposure to NGS or Nanopore sequencing for vector or genome characterization.
• Tech transfer and/or CMC documentation experience (nice to have).
• Organized and detail‑oriented; able to manage multiple experiments/projects.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills to troubleshoot and implement improvement.
• Collaborative;…