Project Team Lead

Manifold Bio • Boston, MA

2d

About The Position

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 experienced drug discovery and development Project Team Leader (PTL) to lead cross-functional scientific teams to progress novel tissue-targeted therapeutic programs from early discovery to early clinical evaluation. The PTL will use their knowledge and experience of drug development, in combination with strategic guidance from company leaders, to define the integrated drug discovery and development strategies for 1-2 tissue-targeted therapeutic programs.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in life sciences or a scientific discipline related to drug development; MD, PharmD or MS with strong scientific and drug development background also considered
• At least 7 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience in drug development, spanning from discovery through initiation of first-in-human clinical studies
• Excellent knowledge of drug development processes and deliverables at each stage of the pipeline
• Successful track record of leading projects/program teams in a cross-functional team environment from early discovery through IND-enabling activities and ideally through early clinical development
• Experience successfully leading projects with participation by external collaborators
• Experience in oversight and successful integration of CROs, CDMOs, contractors and consultants
• Excellent leadership skills with exceptional decision-making and analytical skills
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships
• Excellent time management skills; comfortable driving toward on-time execution of deliverables in context of uncertain drug-development environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience in discovery and development of biologic and / or oligonucleotide therapies, with a focus on neuroscience, motor, or cardiometabolic therapeutic areas preferred

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and scientific leadership for cross-functional project teams focused on the development of tissue-targeted therapeutic molecules as they transition from early discovery (lead identification) into early clinical development.
• Develops clear work plan that maps out timing and resourcing required to execute on critical path activities to progress novel lead tissue-targeted therapies from lead ID through early clinical testing, including candidate nomination, nonclinical PK and safety evaluation, CMC activities, regulatory submissions, and early clinical testing.
• Maintains team focus on efficient execution of IND-enabling workplans. Works with project managers to track execution of critical path activities relative to target timelines and budget.
• Updates strategy based on emerging scientific data, changes in competitive landscape, and company strategic priorities; supports timely and clear project team decision-making that aligns with that strategy.
• Facilitates identification and resolution of issues/gaps; risks and risk-mitigation strategies​. Prioritizes timely, resource-efficient solutions that are aligned with company priorities.
• Ensures cross-functional project team decisions are made in a timely manner and are aligned with company strategic priorities and latest scientific data.
• Advocates for the program with internal and external stakeholders; supports two-way communication between senior leadership and project team members. Ensures the opinions and perspectives of internal and external partners and stakeholders are heard and understood.
• Fosters a team culture of rigor, grit, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree