Legend Biotech · 1 day ago
Downstream Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist
Philadelphia, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$81K/yr - $107K/yr
3+ years expLegend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating life-threatening diseases. They are seeking a Downstream Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist to join the Vector Biology team, focusing on research-stage and early process development for lentiviral vector downstream workflows.
BiotechnologyHealth CareLife ScienceOncologyTherapeutics
Responsibilities
Design and execute early-stage downstream process (DSP) experiments to explore purification concepts, identify bottlenecks, and establish fit-for-purpose viral vector downstream process approaches
Rapidly optimize the downstream operations including optimal harvest strategy, clarification, chromatography, concentration (TFF), final filtration and final formulation preparation
Perform routine viral vector purification runs (weekly or as program needs dictation) to generate material for internal research teams, assay development and preclinical enablement
Partner closely with the Upstream team to define handoffs, characterize feed streams, and align harvest timing/conditions with downstream performance
Collaborate with Analytical colleagues to select fit-for-purpose assay and interpret results to guide process decisions and next experiments
Independently plan, conduct, analyze, and present data, translating experimental outcomes into clear next steps and recommendations
Track timelines and deliverables for small-scale early PD work activities, communicating progress, risks and tradeoffs in a fast-moving R&D setting
Support early tech transfer readiness by capturing process learnings, rationale, and draft procedures as processes mature
Prioritize experiments based on learning value, program urgency, and material needs, balancing exploratory studies with routine production support
Recommend DSP path forward using data-driven tradeoffs
Escalate risks and propose mitigations when process performance, timelines, or resource needs could impact research deliverables
Qualification
Required
PhD in Biochemistry, virology, cell & gene therapy bioengineering or related field
MS with 3-4+ years or BS with 5-6+ years of relevant industry experience
Hands-on experience with viral vector downstream processing in a research and/or early process development environment, with a demonstrated ability to iterate quickly and translate learning into next step experiments
Demonstrated experience designing and executing lab- or PD-scale downstream workflows spanning harvest/clarification, chromatography, TFF and sterile filtration to generate material and internal research and early translational needs
Experience partnering with Upstream, Molecular Biology, and Analytical teams to align harvest timing, culture conditions, sampling plans, assay selection, and data interpretation to guide experimental direction
Track record of producing clear, decision-enabling data packages that support down-selection of downstream process options and inform early platform/process strategy
Comfortable operating under shifting R&D priorities, balancing routine purification support with exploratory development studies
Strong hands-on capability across downstream unit operations, including clarification, chromatography, TFF or TFDF system, and sterile filtration
Extensive experience operating and troubleshooting lab-scale chromatography and TFF systems, along with supporting equipment
Strong understanding of viral vector attributes (LV preferred) and the interplay between upstream conditions and downstream performance
Working knowledge and hands-on experience with viral vector titration and characterization and ability to partner with Analytical to select fit-for-purpose readouts and interpret data
Designs well-controlled studies, captures critical run parameters, maintains clear lab records, and communicates outcomes through clear, decision-oriented data summaries
Adaptable to a fast-paced biotech environment with the ability to prioritize and adjust workload as needed
Strong collaboration skills and ability to operate effectively within a team environment. Thrives in cross-functional teams and contributes positively to lab culture, safety, and operational excellence
Proficient in maintaining accurate, detailed documentation in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) to ensure reproducibility and accessibility
Excellent oral and written communication skills for documenting work, presenting data and driving alignment on next steps
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)-retirement plan with company match that vest fully on day one
Equity and stock options
Eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment
Paid time off policy that includes vacation days, personal days, sick time, 11 company holidays, and 3 floating holidays
Flexible spending and health savings accounts
Life and AD&D insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Legal assistance
Supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
Commuter benefits
Family planning and care resources
Well-being initiatives
Peer-to-peer recognition programs
Company
Legend Biotech
Legend Biotech is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes novel cell therapies for oncology.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Legend Biotech has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (30)
2024 (11)
2023 (14)
2022 (7)
2021 (6)
2020 (13)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$750.45M2023-05-05Post Ipo Equity· $350M
2022-07-25Post Ipo Equity· $250M
2020-06-05IPO
Leadership Team
Carlos Santos
Chief Financial Officer
Alan Bash
President, CARVYKTI
Recent News
2025-12-18
thefly.com
2025-12-09
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