Director, Oligo Team Lead

Manifold Bio is a platform biotechnology company pioneering AI-guided protein design and massively multiplexed in vivo screening to unlock tissue-targeted medicines and organism-scale models of living systems. Using proprietary molecular barcoding technology, we screen hundreds of thousands of protein designs simultaneously in living systems, producing in vivo-validated datasets at a scale no one else can match. The datasets power our computational models, which leads to better drug designs, creating a flywheel that gets stronger with every campaign. Our team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists work across this full stack to pursue programs both internally and with leading pharma companies.

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.

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

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

This Role Might Be Perfect For You If:You are energized by the opportunity to shape the future of a therapeutic modality, working at the intersection of cutting-edge shuttle technology and oligonucleotide medicine. You are a strategic scientific leader who thrives on building complex technical platforms and programs from the ground up. You combine deep oligonucleotide chemistry expertise with the vision and drive to establish new capabilities and lead cross-functional teams toward ambitious goals. You excel at balancing scientific rigor with the speed and agility needed in a dynamic biotech environment, making data-driven decisions that advance programs while managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.

If you’re excited to use unique technologies to shape an innovative drug development strategy, build meaningful industry partnerships, and contribute directly to our mission of advancing breakthrough treatments, please apply!

Base Salary Range: $195,000-239,000

This reflects the typical offer range for this role, based on experience, role scope, and internal equity. Final compensation decisions are made using a consistent leveling framework and consider the candidate’s experience, interview performance, and expected impact.

This role is eligible for:

• Annual performance-based target bonus
• Stock options
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible paid time off and holidays
• Perks including on-site gym, onsite lunch, and commuter support

Our compensation ranges are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with market trends and internal equity.

We value different experiences and ways of thinking and believe the most talented teams are built by bringing together people of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.