Principal Scientist of Gene Editing

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 Principal Scientist of Genome Editing as part of the Research and Early Development team based in Piscataway, NJ. 

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is an international clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel cell therapies for oncology, immunology and infectious disease indications. We are seeking a Senior Scientist with a track record of research excellence of synthetic biology to join our cancer immunotherapy team.

Expertise in genome editing and off-target analysis is required. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual who enjoys having broad responsibilities. You thrive in a collaborative work environment and are skilled at advancing multiple projects concurrently. Knowledge of state-of-art immunotherapy and its applications. As part of the Legend Biotech R&D team, you will be responsible for timely execution of projects in our discovery pipeline.

Key Responsibilities  

• Conduct gRNA screening using Base editor in primary immune effector cells to determine the KO efficiency and select best gRNA for product development
• Lead, design and execute functional assays to validate off-target issue in primary immune effector cells after gene editing
• Develop and execute in-house NGS workflows, including library preparation and troubleshooting
• Conduct in vitro functional evaluation of gene edited immune effector cells
• Maintain an accurate and updated laboratory notebook
• Maintain compliance with GLP and EHS protocols
• Prepare and present reports, publications, oral presentations and patent application documents

• Education:
  • Ph. D. in genetics, molecular biology, immunology, oncology or related fields
• Experience: 
  • 4+ years of experience in the field of genome editing 2+ years hands-on experience using next generation CRISPR systems (e.g. Prime or Base editors)
  • Strong expertise in immunotherapy and cell therapy preferred
  • Strong experience with NGS library preparation and troubleshooting
  • Hands on experience with off-target assay development, experience with base editor is preferred
  • Extensive experience of NGS sequencing and data analysis
  • Experience of immune cell isolation, activation, gene delivery and expansion
• Key Capabilities, Knowledge, and Skills:
  • Strong experiences with off-target assay development and analysis
  • Deep expertise in analytic RNA or DNA assays to measure and analyze gene editing results
  • Experience in utilizing bioinformatics tools and software for the analysis of gene editing readouts
  • Experience in gene delivery of mammalian cell and tissue culturing is required
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to operate under minimal supervision and in a team environment

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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.