Legend Biotech US
Director, Preclinical Project Development and Strategic Lead
Legend Biotech US, Trenton, New Jersey, United States
Director, Preclinical Project Development and Strategic Lead
Somerset, New Jersey, United States
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
Director, Preclinical Project Development and Strategic Lead
as part of the
Early‑stage Drug Development
team based in
Somerset, NJ .
Role Overview The Preclinical development and strategic lead is responsible for planning, executing and overseeing preclinical development projects of Legend. He or she will be responsible for managing a cross‑functional team, ensuring adherence to IND submission timelines, budgets and regulatory requirements and acting as central point of communication between stakeholders to advance Legend drug development efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Preclinical IND enabling study oversight
Work closely with program teams to develop preclinical IND strategies. Accountable for preclinical IND study delivery and quality
Developing and manage project plans, timelines, budgets and resources for preclinical IND programs
Coordinate and monitor preclinical studies, including in vitro and in vivo studies, ensuring alignment with program goals
Track project progress, identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables
Cross‑functional collaboration
Serve as a liaison between internal departments (e.g., research, toxicology, pharmacology, CMC, regulatory affairs) and external partners (e.g., CROs)
Facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones
Ensure preclinical studies comply with relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g., GLP, FDA, EMA)
Prepare or support the creation of regulatory submissions, including pre‑IND packages and investigator brochures
Data Management and Reporting
Oversee data collection, analysis and documentation for preclinical studies
Prepare project reports, presentations and summaries for internal and external stakeholders
Vendor and Budget Management
Identify, evaluate and manage relationships with contract research organizations (CROs) and other external vendors
Negotiate contracts, oversee budgets and ensure high‑quality deliverables from external partners
Strategic Input
Contribute to the design and development of preclinical study strategies to support clinical translation
Provide input on program development based on emerging data and scientific trends
Requirements
PhD in biology and biochemistry or related field
At least 10 years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 5‑8 years of preclinical research and development experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Experience in IND submission of cell or therapies.
Familiarity with preclinical drug development processes, regulatory guidelines and GLP standards
Preclinical project lead in IND submission
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and preclinical study design principles
Experience in preclinical research, especially in cell therapy preclinical development is preferred
Experience working with CROs and managing external collaborations
Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus
The anticipated base pay range is
$187,989 – $246,737 USD
We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can thrive – both professionally and personally. To attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry, we offer a best‑in‑class benefits package that supports well‑being, financial stability, and long‑term career growth. Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with company match that vests fully on day one. Equity and stock options are available to employees in eligible roles, we offer eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes 15 vacation days, 5 personal days, 5 sick days, 11 U.S. national holidays, and 3 floating 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.
EEO Statement 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 applicable law.
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.
Legend Biotech maintains a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
Director, Preclinical Project Development and Strategic Lead
as part of the
Early‑stage Drug Development
team based in
Somerset, NJ .
Role Overview The Preclinical development and strategic lead is responsible for planning, executing and overseeing preclinical development projects of Legend. He or she will be responsible for managing a cross‑functional team, ensuring adherence to IND submission timelines, budgets and regulatory requirements and acting as central point of communication between stakeholders to advance Legend drug development efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Preclinical IND enabling study oversight
Work closely with program teams to develop preclinical IND strategies. Accountable for preclinical IND study delivery and quality
Developing and manage project plans, timelines, budgets and resources for preclinical IND programs
Coordinate and monitor preclinical studies, including in vitro and in vivo studies, ensuring alignment with program goals
Track project progress, identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables
Cross‑functional collaboration
Serve as a liaison between internal departments (e.g., research, toxicology, pharmacology, CMC, regulatory affairs) and external partners (e.g., CROs)
Facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones
Ensure preclinical studies comply with relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g., GLP, FDA, EMA)
Prepare or support the creation of regulatory submissions, including pre‑IND packages and investigator brochures
Data Management and Reporting
Oversee data collection, analysis and documentation for preclinical studies
Prepare project reports, presentations and summaries for internal and external stakeholders
Vendor and Budget Management
Identify, evaluate and manage relationships with contract research organizations (CROs) and other external vendors
Negotiate contracts, oversee budgets and ensure high‑quality deliverables from external partners
Strategic Input
Contribute to the design and development of preclinical study strategies to support clinical translation
Provide input on program development based on emerging data and scientific trends
Requirements
PhD in biology and biochemistry or related field
At least 10 years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 5‑8 years of preclinical research and development experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Experience in IND submission of cell or therapies.
Familiarity with preclinical drug development processes, regulatory guidelines and GLP standards
Preclinical project lead in IND submission
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and preclinical study design principles
Experience in preclinical research, especially in cell therapy preclinical development is preferred
Experience working with CROs and managing external collaborations
Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus
The anticipated base pay range is
$187,989 – $246,737 USD
We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can thrive – both professionally and personally. To attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry, we offer a best‑in‑class benefits package that supports well‑being, financial stability, and long‑term career growth. Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with company match that vests fully on day one. Equity and stock options are available to employees in eligible roles, we offer eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes 15 vacation days, 5 personal days, 5 sick days, 11 U.S. national holidays, and 3 floating 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.
EEO Statement 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 applicable law.
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.
Legend Biotech maintains a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr