Upstream Principal Scientist, Vector Biology
Legend Biotech
August 14, 2026
On-site
Philadelphia, PA
Clinical Research and Development
Upstream Principal Scientist, Vector Biology (Philadelphia, PA)
Role Overview
- Lead early process development and establish a manufacturable lentiviral vector (LVV) platform in support of in-vivo CAR-T programs.
- Bridge molecular construct design decisions with upstream process outcomes; partner with Downstream, Analytical, and Technical Development for end-to-end process coherence and technology transfer readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish/optimize seed train from shake flask through bench-scale bioreactor; define process parameters, cell culture conditions, and operational ranges for scalable LVV.
- Evaluate LVV constructs (plasmid architecture, packaging system selection, promoter/transgene configuration, transfer vector optimization) to meet manufacturability and potency targets.
- Design/optimize LVV production workflows (transient transfection; stable producer cell line platforms) to improve yield, quality, and robustness.
- Perform media/feed optimization and bioreactor process control to define setpoints, CPPs, and scale-up understanding (to 40 L+).
- Integrate upstream decisions with downstream constraints (harvest, clarification, vector quality attributes).
- Execute early development studies using DoE and risk-based approaches for process lock, comparability, and regulatory-facing data packages.
- Provide technical leadership/authority, drive go/no-go decisions, and author stage-gate materials; ensure BSL-2 compliance and rigorous data integrity/E-logs.
Requirements
- MS (10+ years) or PhD (5–8+ years) in Bioengineering/Cell Biology/Chemical Engineering or related; molecular biology/virology foundation preferred.
- Hands-on viral vector production and upstream process development across scales; track record translating processes to manufacturable platforms.
- Experience in mammalian suspension cell culture/upstream bioprocessing.
- Bioreactor ops experience (up to 50 L preferred); familiarity with downstream (clarification, chromatography, TFF) to inform upstream design.
- Early gene therapy/viral vector platform process development experience.
- Strong analytical skills (DoE, multivariate data analysis, risk-based frameworks), documentation, and communication.
- Proficiency in viral construct engineering (preferred) and working knowledge of downstream/UP-DN integration (preferred).
Benefits (permanent full-time employees)
- Medical/dental/vision; 401(k) with company match; 8 weeks paid parental leave after 3 months; paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, floating holidays, 11 company holidays).
Work authorization
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; E-Verify; complete Form I-9 if selected.
Role Overview
- Lead early process development and establish a manufacturable lentiviral vector (LVV) platform in support of in-vivo CAR-T programs.
- Bridge molecular construct design decisions with upstream process outcomes; partner with Downstream, Analytical, and Technical Development for end-to-end process coherence and technology transfer readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish/optimize seed train from shake flask through bench-scale bioreactor; define process parameters, cell culture conditions, and operational ranges for scalable LVV.
- Evaluate LVV constructs (plasmid architecture, packaging system selection, promoter/transgene configuration, transfer vector optimization) to meet manufacturability and potency targets.
- Design/optimize LVV production workflows (transient transfection; stable producer cell line platforms) to improve yield, quality, and robustness.
- Perform media/feed optimization and bioreactor process control to define setpoints, CPPs, and scale-up understanding (to 40 L+).
- Integrate upstream decisions with downstream constraints (harvest, clarification, vector quality attributes).
- Execute early development studies using DoE and risk-based approaches for process lock, comparability, and regulatory-facing data packages.
- Provide technical leadership/authority, drive go/no-go decisions, and author stage-gate materials; ensure BSL-2 compliance and rigorous data integrity/E-logs.
Requirements
- MS (10+ years) or PhD (5–8+ years) in Bioengineering/Cell Biology/Chemical Engineering or related; molecular biology/virology foundation preferred.
- Hands-on viral vector production and upstream process development across scales; track record translating processes to manufacturable platforms.
- Experience in mammalian suspension cell culture/upstream bioprocessing.
- Bioreactor ops experience (up to 50 L preferred); familiarity with downstream (clarification, chromatography, TFF) to inform upstream design.
- Early gene therapy/viral vector platform process development experience.
- Strong analytical skills (DoE, multivariate data analysis, risk-based frameworks), documentation, and communication.
- Proficiency in viral construct engineering (preferred) and working knowledge of downstream/UP-DN integration (preferred).
Benefits (permanent full-time employees)
- Medical/dental/vision; 401(k) with company match; 8 weeks paid parental leave after 3 months; paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, floating holidays, 11 company holidays).
Work authorization
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; E-Verify; complete Form I-9 if selected.