Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development

Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating life‑deadly diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we develop advanced cell therapies across diverse technology platforms such as autologous and allogenic CAR‑T, TCR‑T, and NK‑cell immunotherapy. Through our three R&D sites worldwide we pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and advanced therapeutics for patients worldwide.

The Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing and scaling purification processes for lentiviral vectors (LVV) within our innovative pipeline. This role focuses on delivering high‑quality vector products to support LVV generation and other advanced cell‑therapy programs. The successful candidate will drive scientific excellence in downstream processing (DSP) – including clarification, chromatography, TFF, sterile filtration and fill‑finish – ensuring processes are robust, scalable and phase‑appropriate for GMP manufacturing.

This position demands hands‑on technical mastery and strategic thinking to accelerate timelines while maintaining a patient‑focused approach.

• Design and execute highly efficient purification strategies for lentiviral vectors, specifically optimized for CAR‑T applications.
• Direct the development and optimization of downstream processes – clarification (depth filtration, centrifugation), chromatography (AEX, SEC, HIC) and TFF for concentration and diafiltration.
• Provide hands‑on training as needed.
• Lead the translation of bench‑scale processes to GMP manufacturing, ensuring seamless technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs.
• Execute study protocols to define operating parameters and performance limits; implement knowledge‑management for DSP data.
• Communicate potential issues and delays along with solutions and mitigation approaches.
• Collaborate with CMC leadership to identify project acceleration opportunities.
• Leverage advanced science and technology to maximize vector recovery, purity and potency, identifying creative solutions to field unknowns.
• Guide a team of scientists, fostering transparency, scientific rigor and continuous improvement.
• Author and review technical documents, including development reports, SOPs and CMC sections for regulatory submissions (IND/IMPD).
• Work closely with Upstream Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated outcomes.
• Conduct tech‑transfer to/from other Legend sites or CDMOs.
• Resolve conflicts and proactively address performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 8+ years (PhD) or 10+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or pharmaceutical setting.
• Hands‑on experience in purification, chromatography and TFF specifically for viral vectors (lentivirus preferred).
• Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early‑phase clinical trials.
• Knowledge and experience in cell and lentiviral vector technologies within the emerging field.
• Ability to implement closed‑system processes and improve cost‑effectiveness.
• Strong knowledge of engineering modeling and optimization.
• Excellent leadership, emotional intelligence and communication skills; composure under stressful timelines.
• Creative, strategic thinking.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Preferred experience developing vector processes for CAR‑T generation and systemic delivery.
• Preferred experience with large‑scale (>50 L) purification processes.
• Mandarin is a plus.

$146,410 – $192,164 USD

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match that vests fully on day one; eight weeks of paid parental leave after three months of employment; paid time off that includes vacation, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven company holidays; voluntary benefits such as flexible…