Sr. Director/VP, Biology

Manifold Bio builds AI models for 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.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Biology to lead the scientific strategy and execution that will realize the full potential of the Manifold platform. You will own the creation of a differentiated pipeline of tissue-targeted therapeutics that are delivered directly to target tissue via novel receptor portals that have been discovered through our platform combining AI-design with in vivo data at scale. You will directly lead our discovery biology and pharmacology teams, while also serving as the accountable leader for 1-2 drug-discovery matrix project teams from product concept through IND.

As a member of our R&D leadership team, you will set pipeline and portal prioritization strategy and represent Manifold's science with potential business partners, investors, and KOLs. Our initial focus is CNS: brain-shuttled mAbs and oligonucleotides leveraging novel BBB portals, with expansion opportunities into other tissue targets and modalities.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and oversee a research organization of highly effective discovery biology and pharmacology scientists, directly managing 2-4 team leads.
• Efficiently prioritize workflows to discover tissue-targeting shuttles and shuttled therapeutics, translating platform capabilities into a best-in-class portfolio of tissue-targeted medicines.
• Provide effective leadership for 1-2 cross-functional drug discovery project teams, integrating biology, therapeutic discovery/engineering, pharmacology, and preclinical development expertise.
• Craft and deliver effective scientific presentations for leadership, board members, potential partners, and investors. 
• Partner with functional leads to recommend staffing, resourcing, and critical-path activities necessary to deliver IND-ready assets and lead molecules that achieve partner research milestones.
• Provide technical mentorship on experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. Ensure experimental plans are rigorous, efficient, and deliver data that support clear actions and decisions.
• Collect, review and update datasets from both platform and project teams. Lead internal discussions to deliver data-driven recommendations of priorities and next steps. 
• Cultivate a collaborative, execution-oriented culture that moves quickly without compromising quality or rigor.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with scientists in AI/ML, platform discovery, and  biotherapeutic engineering, leveraging diverse perspectives and sources of expertise to make the right scientific decisions.
• Serve as the scientific liaison with external partner R&D leadership to scope, negotiate, and execute research and development partnerships. Serve on or advise partner Joint Research Committees. 

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, neuroscience, pathology, or a closely related discipline; 10+ years of biopharma R&D experience for VP level, or 7+ years for Senior Director level
• Drug-hunter track record: Demonstrated advancement of multiple discovery programs from concept through Development Candidate, with at least one program advanced into Phase 1 strongly preferred. Ability to understand and use regulatory, clinical and CMC considerations to inform TPP, early discovery priorities, and key go/no-go experiments.  Hands on experience with multiple modalities, preferred experience with antibodies, antibody: drug conjugates, fusion proteins, or oligonucleotides.
• Therapeutic area expertise: Deep domain knowledge of underlying biology associated with a major therapeutic area. CNS preferred, with cardiometabolic, muscular/neuromuscular, pain, fibrosis, pulmonary and kidney disease also of interest. Familiarity with BBB biology, receptor-mediated transcytosis, PK/PD modeling, and/or tissue-targeting modalities is a strong plus.
• Team leadership: Track record of building, managing, and developing multidisciplinary discovery organizations of 5+ scientists; proven ability to recruit and retain senior scientific talent. In addition, demonstrated experience leading or serving as core member of matrixed drug-discovery project teams in biotech or pharma
• Bioanalytical assay design and interpretation: experience bringing both innovation and rigor to the design of high-quality, high-throughput assays. Ability to transfer research-grade assays to automation platforms and qualified CROs.

• Developability & IND awareness: Working knowledge of CMC, developability, and IND-enabling requirements sufficient to make program-level decisions and resource CMC/CDMO work appropriately.
• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication; ability to adjust framing to audiences ranging from junior scientists to experienced biopharma leaders and generalist investors.
• Agile leadership: comfortable in a fast-moving, agile organization where leaders must directly drive execution. 
• Humble, team-first, and collaborative; brings joy and energy to work and inspires those around them; deep passion for the science and the patients it serves

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.

Base Salary Range: $240,000-340,000

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.