Legend Biotech is seeking a Molecular Biology/Plasmid Constructs Co-Op as part of the R&D team based in Philadelphia, PA.

Role Overview

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 range of technology platforms, including autologous and allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T), T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies. From our global R&D sites, we leverage innovative technologies to advance the discovery and development of safe, effective, and cutting-edge therapies 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 autoleucel (cilta-cel). This strategic partnership combines the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of immunotherapy for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

The Philadelphia R&D site continues to expand its research capabilities, including growing capacity to support in-vivo CAR-T discovery and vector biology research, spanning early process development and platform optimization, to advance next-generation cell and gene therapy innovation.

The Molecular Biology team within the Vector Biology group at Legend Biotech’s Philadelphia R&D facility is seeking a motivated Molecular Biology Co-Op who is currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline.

The Co-Op will support lentiviral vector (LVV) design, plasmid construction, and functional evaluation to advance in-vivo CAR-T programs. This role provides hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, viral vector technologies, and mammalian cell engineering in a collaborative industry research environment.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with plasmid cloning workflows, including PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, bacterial transformation, and plasmid preparation.
• Support viral vector plasmid and helper plasmid construction for gene expression and vector development studies.
• Confirm plasmid constructs through restriction digest analysis and sequencing review.
• Maintain accurate plasmid records, including sequence files, plasmid maps, inventory tracking, and documentation.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and transient transfection under BSL-2 conditions.
• Support small-scale lentiviral vector production and preparation of samples for downstream characterization.
• Assist with molecular and cellular assays used to evaluate vector performance, such as qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, Western blot, and flow cytometry.
• Document experimental procedures and results in electronic lab notebooks in accordance with company policies and laboratory standards.
• Follow BSL-2 biosafety practices and maintain compliance with laboratory safety guidelines.

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, PCR, or DNA assembly methods.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection is preferred.
• Familiarity with viral vector systems, gene delivery technologies, or cell therapy research is a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and communicate scientific results clearly.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection.
• Familiarity with viral vector systems, gene delivery technologies, or cell therapy research.
• Basic knowledge of molecular and cellular assays, including qPCR, ELISA, or flow cytometry.
• Strong organizational and communication skills. 

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