Lentiviral Production Co-Op

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, T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.

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). 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 Lentiviral Production Co-Op as part of the R&D team based in Philadelphia, PA.

Role Overview

The Lentiviral Production Co-op will support upstream and downstream processes for lentiviral vector manufacturing, including cell culture, transfection, purification, and analytical testing in a BSL-2 environment. This hands-on role offers exposure to industry-standard techniques and equipment while collaborating with scientists and engineers to optimize workflows for gene therapy applications.

Co-Op Duration: 6-months (Summer to Fall) with possible extension

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in culturing suspension and adherent HEK293 cells
• Support lentiviral transfection and harvest process, including media preparation and monitoring cell growth and viability
• Perform buffer preparation, system setup, and cleaning following established SOPs.
• Operate AKTA chromatography systems for purification steps (ion-exchange and/or affinity)
• Perform Tangential flow filtration (TFF) for concentration and buffer exchange of lentiviral vectors
• Monitor process parameters and troubleshoot basic issues under supervision
• Assist in formulation, sterile filtration, and aliquoting of purified lentiviral products
• Perform lentiviral tittering using functional assays (TU/mL) and p24 ELISA for capsid quantification
• Conduct endotoxin testing to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards
• Collect, analyze, and document process data to support optimization studies.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot and improve purification workflows.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in Master's program in Biotechnology, Biochemical engineering, molecular biology, or related field.
• Basic understanding of cell culture, virology, or bioprocessing principles preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as pipetting, buffer preparation, and aseptic handling.
• Familiarity with chromatography systems (AKTA) and TFF is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a BSL-2 environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

What we offer:

• Hands-on experience in viral vector production processes such as upstream, downstream, and analytics.
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Exposure to industry-standard equipment and processes in gene therapy manufacturing.

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Benefits

Benefits include 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 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 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.

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

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. Legend may adjust base salary or other discretionary compensation at any time based on individual, team, performance, or market conditions.

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