Associate Director, Program and Alliance Manager

Manifold Bio is a biotech company pursuing a pipeline of protein therapeutics using novel molecular measurement technologies and library-guided protein engineering. 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 program manager with experience in drug development, drug discovery platforms, and corporate partnerships.  As the Associate Director of Program and Alliance Management, you will be instrumental in strengthening our development pipeline and managing strategic partnerships. This role requires a unique blend of scientific expertise, project management skills, and partnership facilitation to ensure successful advancement of our development candidates and execution of impactful corporate collaborations.

Responsibilities

Program Management

• Prepare and maintain detailed project plans and budgets for lead pipeline projects (drug candidates and brain shuttles)
• Identify and track accountability for key milestones across projects
• Transparently track all activities related to nomination and progression of DCs and platform projects
• Proactively identify barriers and resource constraints, escalating to leadership when needed
• Create dashboards and communication strategies to effectively convey project status and progress
• Support clear and efficient decision-making by identifying time-sensitive decisions, facilitating discussion, and documenting outcomes
• Collaborate with R&D teams to develop budget estimates for discovery programs

Alliance Management

• Facilitate partnership meetings (Joint Research Committees, Joint Development Committees)
• Develop internal project plans to achieve key partnership milestones
• Track partnership health/effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve communication and collaboration
• Ensure alignment across partnered organizations, bridging gaps in priorities, cultures, and communication styles
• Build and maintain systems to strengthen communication with partners
• Establish strong, open communication channels with external collaborators

Required Qualifications

• Program management experience for drug development programs in late nonclinical/early clinical phases, with proven track record of advancing candidates into the clinic
• Understanding of IND (or ex-US equivalent) preparation and submission process
• Experience leading, facilitating, and/or participating in partnered drug discovery/development projects
• Comfort working and leading within matrixed scientific organizations
• Proficiency with common program management tools (MS Project, SmartSheet, etc.)
• Scientific background (PhD preferred) in a biological discipline, including protein sciences, pharmacology, neuroscience, immunology, or related fields
• Good understanding of the broader biotech/pharma landscape
• Ability to train and mentor scientists and emerging project leaders in drug development project management best practices
• Experience in small/medium-sized biotech companies
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to communicate effectively across individuals or organizations with different skills, cares, and concerns

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal project management training/certification
• Established network of contractors/consultants who can support drug development activities
• Experience or strong potential for mentoring junior scientists and emerging leaders

This Role Might Be Perfect For You If:

You are curious, passionate about science, and ready to act with scientific boldness and innovation. This role requires exceptional organization, quality and attention to detail, coupled with a commitment to meet or beat critical deadlines. You should be a team player who is also proactive and resourceful.  with excellent written and verbal communication.

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

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.