Molecular Biology/Plasmid Constructs Co-Op
Company: Legend Biotech
Location: Philadelphia
Posted on: March 15, 2026
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Job Description:
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 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. Requirements 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. Li-JR1
Li-Onsite Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to
permanent full-time employees. Contractors 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. For information related to our privacy
policy, please review: Legend Biotech Privacy Policy.
Keywords: Legend Biotech, New Rochelle , Molecular Biology/Plasmid Constructs Co-Op, Science, Research & Development , Philadelphia, New York
