Senior Director, Biotherapeutics

Manifold Bio•Boston, MA

12h

About The Position

Manifold Bio builds AI models for protein therapeutic design, trained on proprietary experimental data generated at unprecedented scale. Their in vivo-centric discovery platform produces millions of experimentally validated protein designs per campaign, creating the datasets that make their models possible and their approach uniquely powerful. They combine high-throughput protein engineering with computational design to create antibody-like drugs and other biologics. Their 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.Manifold Bio is seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Biotherapeutics to help guide and mature their 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 the leadership team, this role will contribute to high-level strategy and help build internal resources to support 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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