Senior Director, Biotherapeutics

Manifold Bio builds AI models for protein therapeutic design, trained on proprietary experimental data generated at unprecedented scale. Our in vivo-centric discovery platform produces millions of experimentally validated protein designs per campaign, creating the datasets that make our models possible and our approach uniquely powerful. We combine high-throughput protein engineering with computational design to create antibody-like drugs and other biologics. Our world-class team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists are working together to aim the platform at therapeutic opportunities where precise targeting is the key to overcoming clinical challenges.

Position:

Manifold Bio is seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Biotherapeutics to help guide and mature our discovery, characterization, and production of shuttled therapeutics. This role spans discovery and nonclinical development, including bioengineering strategies to generate best-in-class molecules and oversight of external contract manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to develop processes and manufacture drug product for clinical trials.

As a member of our leadership team, you will contribute to high-level strategy and help build internal resources to support our ambitious growth plans. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a cutting-edge biotechnology company while working with a collaborative, innovative team.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Management & Development

• Manage and mentor internal protein scientists and protein engineers
• Build and focus teams in a capital-efficient manner to support current and future pipeline needs
• Foster strong collaborative interactions between biotherapeutics teams and teams supporting AI/ML protein design and screening, oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery, and pharmacology

Program Execution

• Support the discovery and characterization of shuttled therapeutics via 1-2 matrix project teams, serving as biotherapeutics lead or project lead
• Map out critical path activities through IND-enabling studies and ensure key activities are resourced and executed efficiently
• Engage with consultants, contractors and  CROs/CDMOs to efficiently build expertise and capabilities that accelerate program progression
• Set and implement strategy for developability assessment and early-stage de-risking
• Prepare and present data packages for partnering discussions and investor presentations

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to high-level strategy and key objectives for discovery and development of shuttled therapeutics
• Establish development candidate nomination criteria for novel biotherapeutics with particular focus on developability metrics 
• Identify and outline opportunities for backup molecule discovery and selection

Qualifications:

Required Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience in biotherapeutics across a range of protein modalities
• Proven track record engineering antibodies for clinical development
• Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art protein engineering approaches
• Experience with protein expression systems, purification methods, and characterization including developability assays
• Prior experience liaising with CDMOs

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise with novel modalities and complex formats, including ADCs, tissue-targeted therapeutics, and bispecific antibodies
• Understanding of high-throughput screening and bioanalytical technologies
• Experience with generative AI models for protein and/or oligonucleotide design