Scientist II (Analytical Development)

Company Information

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 and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. 

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) in 2017. 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 Scientist II as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset. 

Role Overview

This position will be responsible for establishing and optimizing analytical methods to be used in the manufacture of cellular therapy products. The candidate will have demonstrated proficiencies in method development in the area of flow cytometry. The individual will be responsible for assay design, execution and data analysis. The position will be responsible for maintaining accurate and contemporaneous records in a lab notebook and reporting results in a timely manner. This role will report to the Director of Analytical Development.

Key Responsibilities  

• Collaboratively drive projects to meet established timeline while maintaining the highest quality and data integrity standards.
• Develop and optimize flow cytometry methods including (but not limited to) multi-color phenotyping assays, intracellular staining, phosphorylation assays, and proliferation assays.
• Establish and author SOPs/procedures for methods developed.
• Maintain accurate and updated lab notebooks.
• Maintain equipment and records for maintenance, calibration and operation. Contribute to maintenance of laboratory inventories.
• Analyze data for trends and recommendations for scientific staff. Present analyzed data within and across departmental meetings.
• Participate in technology transfers of product-specific methods to QC, to external partners and between sites. Contribute to method qualification activities.
• Provide analytical support for manufacturing and QC root cause investigations for OOS/OOE.
• Author and / or review technical documents, protocols and / or reports.
• Procure and qualify required materials to perform experiments or testing.
• May work directly with external vendors to resolve reagent or equipment issues.
• Responsible for ensuring effective, accurate and timely communication of project information.

• BS/MS degree in cell/molecular biology, immunology or other related science. Technical training / certification desirable.
• BS degree: 3-5 years industry laboratory experience; MS degree: 1-3 yrs industry laboratory experience.
• Experience in multi-color flow cytometry panel design and execution of multicolor panels.
• Understanding of scientific principles for analytical methods in support of process and product characterization such as (but not limited to) flow cytometry, cytokine measurements, cell proliferation measurements, apoptosis measurements, etc.
• Expertise with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture, primary T cell culture experience desired.
• Ability to communicate clearly with a variety of cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with expertise in problem solving and solid decision-making abilities.
• Experience writing laboratory SOPs and technical instructions is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Legend Biotech is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is Legend’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.