Director, Oligo Team Lead

Manifold Bio • Boston, MA

1d

About The Position

Manifold Bio is a dynamic biotech company building a pipeline of targeted biologics using a novel in vivo-centric discovery approach. Our drug discovery engine is differentiated by massively parallel screening in vivo from the beginning of our discovery process. This unique platform is powered by a proprietary protein barcoding technology that allows multiplexed protein quantitation at unprecedented scale and sensitivity. We combine this and other high-throughput protein engineering approaches 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 experienced drug development leader to guide strategy and execution of our shuttled oligonucleotide therapeutics programs. You will define and execute the strategic vision for our oligonucleotide therapeutic capabilities, leveraging our proprietary shuttle screening technology to discover and develop the next generation of tissue-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics. This role combines technical leadership of scientific staff focused on designing, screening, and evaluating tissue-targeted oligonucleotides, with strategic leadership of cross-functional drug discovery teams advancing lead molecules toward clinical testing.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field (chemistry, biochemistry, nucleic acid chemistry/biology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmacology or related discipline)
• Minimum of 10 years post-PhD experience, including experience in industry drug-discovery programs
• Diverse experience with multiple oligonucleotide modalities (ASOs, siRNAs, aptamers, mRNA), different backbone chemistries/modifications
• Knowledge of proven and emerging technologies for delivering oligo medicines to cellular targets (LNPs, passive or active targeting moieties, etc.)
• Experience progressing oligonucleotide therapies from early discovery through IND-enabling preclinical activities / early clinical development
• Demonstrated leadership of effective specialized and cross-functional scientific teams
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior scientists
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo systems assessing oligonucleotide efficacy and safety
• Strong background in the engineering of optimized oligonucleotide conjugates, including linker discovery and bioconjugation optimization
• Experience building and/or optimizing platforms for oligo design, synthesis, and screening
• Understanding of DMPK, toxicology,, developability, and CMC considerations specific to oligos
• Track record of successful partnerships and external collaborations

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a fit-for-purpose oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery team that includes both internal and outsourced expertise and capabilities, as needed.
• Lead 1-2 cross-functional drug discovery project teams, collaborating closely with protein engineers, in vitro biologists, bioconjugation scientists, and in vivo biologists to discover and progress shuttled oligo-based therapeutics.
• Work with company leadership and cross-functional experts to prioritize high-value therapeutic targets for tissue-targeted oligo therapeutics.
• Define best-in-class target product profiles for tissue-targeted therapeutic oligonucleotides. Define workplans and track progress to deliver on those target product profiles.
• Closely track advances in the field and provide strategic direction for continued development and expansion of Manifold’s shuttled oligo discovery efforts.
• Clearly communicate scientific progress and challenges to team members, leadership, and internal/external collaborators
• Establish and optimize innovative, efficient screening and production systems that leverage Manifold’s multiplexed in vivo screening capabilities.
• Serve as oligonucleotide therapeutic subject matter expert in discussions with potential partners, collaborators, and investors

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees