---
title: 'Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing at Legend Biotech US'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/sr-scientist-lentivirus-upstream-processing-legend-biotech-us-somerset-new-mvnx1s0w9esp'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing at Legend Biotech US

- **Company:** Legend Biotech US
- **Location:** Somerset New Jersey, United States
- **Compensation:** $127k–$167k
- **Posted:** 2026-09-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/legendcareers/jobs/4729829005

## Job description

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating and, one day, curing life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, we are advancing the next generation of cell therapy through a portfolio of innovative technologies, including autologous, allogeneic, and in vivo cell therapy approaches. Our research spans chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T), T-cell receptor (TCR-T), natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies, and other emerging platforms designed to transform the treatment of serious diseases. From our global network of research and development sites, we are committed to discovering and developing safe, effective, and cutting-edge therapies for patients worldwide.

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Johnson & Johnson to jointly develop and commercialize CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel). Through this strategic partnership, we combine complementary expertise and capabilities to advance innovative immunotherapies for patients living with multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

## Role Overview

The Senior Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development, will be a core technical contributor responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing 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 apply technical expertise in upstream processing (USP)—including seed train optimization, mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T), large-scale transient transfection, and bioreactor scale-up—to ensure processes are robust, scalable, and phase-appropriate for GMP manufacturing. This position demands a blend of hands-on technical mastery and strong analytical thinking to support project timelines while maintaining a patient-focused approach.

## Key Responsibilities

- Design and execute experimental strategies for lentiviral vector upstream production.
- Perform development and optimization of upstream processes, including seed train expansion, suspension mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T), plasmid transient transfection optimization, and feed batch/perfusion bioprocessing in stir-tank and rocker bioreactors.
- Support the establishment and validation of bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models to ensure process comparability and predictability.
- Support the translation of bench-scale processes to GMP manufacturing, assisting in technology transfer and providing troubleshooting support during clinical production runs.
- Execute study protocols to define operating parameters, feeding strategies, and performance limits; maintain accurate documentation for USP data.
- Communicate technical findings, issues, and potential delays to project leads in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with cross-functional team members, including CMC Project Management and other technical leads, to support project goals.
- Apply scientific knowledge and technology to optimize vector titer, specific productivity, and quality.
- Support team activities by providing technical guidance to junior staff, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and continuous improvement.
- Author and review technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and relevant sections for regulatory submissions (IND).
- Work closely with Downstream Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated process outcomes.
- Support tech transfer activities to/from other Legend sites or CDMOs.
- Ensure compliance with all internal and regulatory requirements.

## Requirements

- Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 5-8 years (PhD) or 8+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture (HEK293, HEK293T), seed train expansion, feeding strategy, and transient transfection optimization specifically for viral vectors (Lentivirus preferred).
- Demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models.
- Solid understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early-phase clinical trials.
- Direct experience with cell and lentiviral vector technologies within the current emerging field.
- Working knowledge in engineering modeling, mass transfer, and bioprocess optimization.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to maintain focus and collaborate effectively during challenging development timelines.
- Analytical and creative thinking.
- Effective troubleshooting skills.
- Preferred experience in handling large-scale (>50L, e.g., 200L/500L) upstream bioreactor processes.
- Language(s):
- English. Mandarin is a plus.

#Li-RP1

#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): $127,313—$167,099 USD

Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to permanent full-time employees. Contractors are not eligible for benefits through Legend Biotech.

Work Authorization & Employment Eligibility

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. As part of our commitment to maintaining a lawful workforce and ensuring compliance with federal employment regulations, we participate in the E-Verify program. If you are selected for employment, you will be required to complete the Form I-9 process, and your employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify in accordance with applicable federal law. We are committed to providing a fair, transparent, and welcoming hiring experience for all candidates.

## 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](https://legendbiotech.com/privacy-notice/).

## About Legend Biotech US

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Legend Biotech is a global, commercial-stage biotechnology company developing advanced cell therapies, including CAR-T, TCR-T, and NK cell-based immunotherapies, to treat and cure life-threatening diseases.
- **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: LEGN) – commercial-stage with approved product
- **Headquarters**: Somerset, New Jersey, United States (Global HQ at 2101 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873)
- **Founded**: 2014
- **Founders**: Not publicly available in provided sources

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Biotechnology – cell and gene therapy, oncology
- **Target customers**: Patients with hematologic and solid tumors; partners include healthcare providers, payers, and pharmaceutical companies (B2B/B2C)
- **Mission**: “To become the global leader in cell and gene therapy” – creating transformative therapies that change treatment paradigms, with a vision of a future where cancers and intractable diseases are curable. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/mission-vision-values/)

## Products & Services
- **Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel / cilta-cel)**: An approved CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, developed and commercialized in a global collaboration with Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/)
- **Pipeline of cell therapies**: Includes autologous and allogenic CAR-T, TCR-T, and NK cell-based candidates targeting hematologic and solid tumors. Legend Biotech is technology-agnostic and focuses on intractable/incurable diseases. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/)
- **End-to-end capabilities**: From discovery through commercialization, including R&D (three global sites), manufacturing, and supply chain. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed in provided sources
- **Key Metric**: Over 10,000 patients treated to date with Carvykti; team of 3,000+ employees. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) – strategic collaboration for co-development and commercialization of cilta-cel. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/legendcareers)
- **Growth Signals**: Commercial-stage with approved product; expanding pipeline into solid tumors; global presence with facilities in New Jersey (Somerset, Piscataway), Nanjing (China), Dublin (Ireland), and Ghent (Belgium). [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/contact-us/)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Proven CAR-T platform**: Carvykti is a best-in-class therapy for multiple myeloma, with strong clinical data and real-world outcomes.
- **Technology agnostic**: Invests in multiple cell therapy modalities (CAR-T, TCR-T, NK) to address diverse targets and tumor types.
- **End-to-end integration**: Controls the entire value chain from R&D to commercial manufacturing, enabling speed and quality.
- **Global collaboration with Janssen**: Combines Legend’s innovation with Janssen’s development and commercial infrastructure.

## Strategic Focus
- **Pipeline expansion**: Advancing cell therapies into solid tumors and earlier lines of treatment.
- **Manufacturing scale-up**: Building internal and external manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand.
- **Global reach**: Expanding commercial footprint beyond the US and Europe (e.g., China, rest of world).
- **Continuous innovation**: Pursuing next-generation cell therapies (allogenic, off-the-shelf, etc.) to improve patient access and outcomes.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Driven by four core behaviors – Continuous Improvement, Agility & Prioritization, Teamwork & Communication, Ownership & Commitment. Emphasis on integrity, patient-first, innovation, one team, and result-driven values. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/careers/)
- **Benefits**: Total Rewards approach including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), generous paid leave, and a comprehensive wellbeing package covering physical, mental, financial, community, mobility, and purpose pillars. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/careers/)
- **Work environment**: Global, collaborative, and diverse. Equal opportunity employer with a focus on inclusion. Roles span R&D, manufacturing, quality, commercial, and corporate functions. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/legendcareers)
- **Growth opportunities**: Pay-for-performance compensation, continuous learning and development programs, leadership classes, and career mobility.
- **Location**: Hybrid/office roles based primarily in Somerset and Piscataway, NJ; also opportunities in Bridgewater, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, and international sites.

## Sources
1. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/legendcareers) – Jobs page with company description and open roles
2. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/) – Company homepage (overview, pipeline, team size, patients treated)
3. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/careers/) – Careers page (culture, benefits, total rewards)
4. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/contact-us/) – Contact page (HQ and global locations, investor email)
5. [legendbiotech.com](https://legendbiotech.com/mission-vision-values/) – Mission, vision, and values page

## Other roles at Legend Biotech US

- [QC Analyst I/II](https://feeny.ai/job/qc-analyst-i-ii-legend-biotech-us-raritan-new-jersey-z8cs9wht31q0) — Raritan New Jersey, United States
- [QA, Shop Floor Specialist II](https://feeny.ai/job/qa-shop-floor-specialist-ii-legend-biotech-us-raritan-new-jersey-t41mnakx8qnz) — Raritan New Jersey, United States
- [Patent Counsel/Senior Patent Counsel](https://feeny.ai/job/patent-counsel-senior-patent-counsel-legend-biotech-us-philadelphia-pennsylvania-0hbh95w8xsgv) — Philadelphia Pennsylvania, United States / Somerset New Jersey, United States
- [QC Specialist, Lab Services I](https://feeny.ai/job/qc-specialist-lab-services-i-legend-biotech-us-raritan-new-jersey-ymv8tkjgfskg) — Raritan New Jersey, United States
- [QC Analyst I/II](https://feeny.ai/job/qc-analyst-i-ii-legend-biotech-us-raritan-new-jersey-75c8mbsbt0xj) — Raritan New Jersey, United States
- [Director, QA Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/director-qa-operations-legend-biotech-us-raritan-new-jersey-fp39qvwreqa1) — Raritan New Jersey, United States
- [Sr. Cell Therapy Account Specialist, Nashville](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-cell-therapy-account-specialist-nashville-legend-biotech-us-memphis-tennessee-cy036qe1dwm9) — Memphis Tennessee, United States
- [Scientist II, CMC Pipeline Innovation](https://feeny.ai/job/scientist-ii-cmc-pipeline-innovation-legend-biotech-us-somerset-new-jersey-201xyfx2zran) — Somerset New Jersey, United States
- [Sr. Cell Therapy Account Specialist, San Diego](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-cell-therapy-account-specialist-san-diego-legend-biotech-us-california-k4pkqewpfpyp) — California, United States
- [R&D Applications Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/r-d-applications-specialist-legend-biotech-us-somerset-new-jersey-gg7b05rwr152) — Somerset New Jersey, United States