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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 works across this full stack to pursue programs both internally and with leading pharma companies.

Position

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Scientist for Cell Binding Assay Development to own the cell line and assay development process for discovery and characterization of biotherapeutic candidates. This is a senior, hands-on role at the intersection of molecule discovery and therapeutic evaluation — you will be the single point of accountability for the ability to understand candidate function in translationally relevant contexts.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mammalian cell line development and engineering, bioassay development, and protein-protein interactions. You are comfortable in a fast-moving startup and flourish in driven, innovative, collaborative environments. You are comfortable managing timelines and priorities and communicating amongst a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Design and generate stable and transient cell lines expressing target antigens (including membrane receptors and other challenging targets) to support antibody discovery and characterization campaigns.
Develop and maintain cell lines optimized for whole-cell panning and display-based selection workflows.
Develop, optimize, and qualify cell-based binding assays (flow cytometry / FACS, cell ELISA, and equilibrium binding formats) to characterize antibody-type molecules across a range of formats.
Adapt assays to higher-throughput formats to increase screening capacity across discovery campaigns.
Work at the cutting edge of innovation in cell engineering to workflows for characterization of binder libraries.

Required Qualifications

PhD in cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant post-graduate experience (or MS with 8+ years) in a biotech/pharma discovery setting.
Expertise in mammalian cell engineering and cell line development. .
Demonstrated experience with FACS and general assay development.
Strong practical knowledge of antibody characterization concepts — on-cell affinity/avidity, specificity and selectivity, epitope binning, and competition/blocking assays.
Proven ability to work independently, design rigorous experiments, troubleshoot complex problems, and interpret data with sound scientific judgment.
Track record of collaborating cross-functionally and communicating results clearly to project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience with whole-cell panning and display-based selection (phage and/or yeast display), including negative-selection/depletion strategies against native membrane targets.
Familiarity with a range of antibody formats
Experience with orthogonal biophysical binding methods (SPR/BLI, e.g. Biacore or Octet) to complement cell-based data.
Experience adapting assays to higher-throughput or automated platforms.

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!

Base Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000

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.

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This role centers on building out cell line development and engineering for challenging cell targets. Describe your hands-on experience developing stable and/or transient mammalian cell lines for difficult targets (e.g., membrane receptors). Specify the targets, the systems you built, and your personal role in the process.

Target biology is central to this role. Describe a project where deep understanding of a target’s biology directly shaped your assay design or experimental strategy. What did you understand about the target that others might have missed? How did this impact data interpretation?

This is an opportunity to build an entire function from the ground up, not just execute assigned tasks. Describe a time you established a new capability, workflow, or group with limited existing infrastructure. How did you decide what to prioritize, and how did you handle competing demands? (Include any experience directing or mentoring lab staff.)

Scientist II/Senior Scientist, Protein Sciences – Cell Binding Assays

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