Executive Director, Toxicology
Company: Legend Biotech
Location: Philadelphia
Posted on: February 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 Executive Director of
Toxicology as part of the Clinical Development team based in
Philadelphia, PA or Somerset, NJ. Role Overview We are seeking a
highly experienced and strategic Senior Director of Toxicology to
lead and oversee all nonclinical safety assessment activities for
our cell and gene therapy programs. This individual will play a
pivotal role in guiding toxicology strategy from early research
through IND-enabling studies and into clinical development,
ensuring regulatory compliance and scientific rigor in support of
our pipeline of advanced therapies. This is a senior leadership
position that requires deep expertise in toxicology as applied to
CGT modalities (e.g., AAV, lentiviral, gene editing, cell-based
therapeutics), a strong understanding of regulatory requirements,
and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced biotech
environment Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee all toxicology
strategy and execution for preclinical development programs in cell
and gene therapy. Design, implement, and interpret nonclinical
safety studies, including IND-enabling toxicology, biodistribution,
and pharmacokinetics. Provide scientific and strategic input to
project teams across discovery, preclinical, regulatory, and
clinical functions. Manage non-GLP and GLP-compliant studies
conducted at CROs; review protocols, monitor studies, and interpret
data. Serve as the primary toxicology subject matter expert for
interactions with regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, etc.); support or
lead preparation of regulatory submissions (e.g., pre-IND, IND,
BLA). Contribute to risk assessment of new and ongoing programs,
including off-target effects, immunogenicity, insertional
mutagenesis, and long-term safety. Participate in the development
of target product profiles and preclinical safety packages to
support clinical development and commercial strategy. Collaborate
closely with internal functions such as Pharmacology, CMC,
Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, and Program Management. Maintain
up-to-date knowledge of evolving regulatory guidelines and
scientific advances in CGT toxicology. Has authority and should
have the ability to make decisions on preclinical toxicology
strategies and execution plan Requirements Ph.D., DVM, or
equivalent in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related field. DABT
certification preferred. Immunology training is desired Minimum
10–15 years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical R&D with at
least 5 years in overseeing toxicology for advanced therapies
Extensive experience with nonclinical safety assessment of gene and
cell therapies, including knowledge of viral vectors, gene editing,
and immunological considerations. Proven track record of
contributing to successful IND/CTA and BLA/NDA filings. Strong
understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH regulations pertaining to
toxicology and CGT development. Experience working with CROs and
managing GLP-compliant study execution. Demonstrated leadership,
communication, and organizational skills. Ability to translate
complex scientific findings into clear, actionable recommendations
for cross-functional stakeholders. Li-JK1 Li-Hybrid The base pay
range below is what Legend Biotech USA Inc. reasonably expects to
offer at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on
experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. The
company reserves the right to modify this range as needed and in
accordance with applicable laws. Performance-based bonus and/or
equity is available to employees in eligible roles. The anticipated
base pay range is: $285,906 - $375,253 USD 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. For information related to our privacy policy, please
review: Legend Biotech Privacy Policy.
Keywords: Legend Biotech, Paterson , Executive Director, Toxicology, Science, Research & Development , Philadelphia, New Jersey
