Oligo Team Lead

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 team lead to guide strategy and execution of our shuttled oligonucleotide therapeutics programs. You will define and execute the strategic vision for our oligonucleotide capabilities, leveraging our proprietary shuttle screening technology to unlock the full potential of tissue-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics. In this role, you will help establish Manifold as a leader in shuttled oligonucleotide therapeutics across multiple tissues through a combination of internal development efforts and strategic external collaborations. You will serve as the primary technical subject matter expert for the modality, coordinating closely with program leads across the organization and driving cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious development goals and timelines. 

Responsibilities

• Define strategy and lead discovery and development of shuttled-oligonucleotide based therapeutics
• Provide subject matter expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry to 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
• Direct oligo production and screening strategy to support the efficient discovery and optimization of  novel ASOs, siRNAs, and linkers
• Propose and onboard technologies and assays that accelerate oligo therapeutic discovery
• Select and manage external vendors as necessary to support oligo discovery and development efforts
• Provide scientific leadership for internal and partnered oligo drug development programs
• Provide expert scientific and strategic input into the design of proof-of-concept studies demonstrating successful CNS target knockdown using shuttled oligos
• Clearly communicate scientific progress and challenges to team members, leadership, and collaborators
• Closely track advances in the field and provide strategic direction for continued development and expansion of Manifold’s shuttled oligo discovery efforts.
• Define strategy for establishing competitive advantage in the shuttled oligonucleotide therapeutics field
• Establish and optimize efficient screening and production systems that leverage Manifold’s multiplexed in vivo screening capabilities. 
• Represent Manifold’s oligonucleotide programs in discussions with potential partners and collaborators

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (chemistry, biochemistry, nucleic acid chemistry/biology, biophysics, molecular biology, or related discipline)
• Minimum of 10 years post-PhD experience
• Deep expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry, including backbone and base modifications
• Diverse experience with multiple oligonucleotide modalities (ASOs, siRNAs, aptamers, mRNA) and different backbone chemistries/modifications
• Demonstrated leadership of small scientific teams
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior scientists
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of proven and emerging technologies for delivering oligo medicines to cellular targets (LNPs, passive or active targeting moieties, etc.)
• 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, and developability considerations specific to oligos
• Experience progressing oligonucleotide therapies through nonclinical/early clinical development
• Track record of successful partnerships and external collaborations

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.