Scientific Program Manager

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures.

The Role

We are seeking a Scientific Program Manager to join our Machine Learning (ML) team and establish a new critical function at Profluent: the systematic measurement and evaluation of our protein design platform. You will be the architect of our wet lab validation strategy, building the evaluation framework that serves as "the beating heart" of our company's core competency. Essentially, the successful applicant will enable us to clearly see where we are headed as a company. 

As our ML team develops cutting-edge protein design models, you will translate their computational breakthroughs into robust experimental validation campaigns. This role combines deep biological expertise with program management excellence to create actionable insights that directly inform our research direction and platform development.

This is a foundational role - you will establish Profluent's experimental evaluation capabilities from the ground up, working cross-functionally with ML scientists, internal wet lab teams, and external partners to ensure our AI-generated proteins perform in the real world.

Key Responsibilities

Platform Evaluation & Strategy

• Design and implement comprehensive evaluation frameworks for protein design performance, defining the key metrics that measure our platform's success
• Establish benchmark standards across different protein scaffolds, assays, and validation approaches to continuously measure platform improvements
• Identify critical evaluation axes that guide ML research priorities and ensure our computational efforts align with experimental feasibility

Experimental Design & Execution

• Translate ML hypotheses into robust wet lab experiments, focusing on assay selection, experimental controls, and data quality standards
• Coordinate computational protein design campaigns with the ML team, from initial design objectives through experimental validation
• Manage the full experimental lifecycle, including protocol development, timeline management, and results interpretation

Vendor & Partnership Management

• Select and manage CRO partnerships, negotiating scopes, pricing, and timelines for external experimental work
• Build relationships with academic collaborators and industry partners to expand our experimental capabilities
• Balance internal vs. external experimental resources, providing strategic input on scaling decisions and resource allocation

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison between computational and experimental teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment
• Collaborate with finance and legal teams on contract management, budget planning, and spend tracking
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning, including hiring decisions, resource planning, and milestone setting

Required Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with 2-3 years industry experience, or Master's with 5-7 years industry experience
• Hands-on experience designing and executing screening experiments in wet lab settings
• Proven track record managing external partnerships with CROs, academic labs, and industry collaborators
• Strong program management skills with experience coordinating cross-functional teams and complex project timelines
• Exceptional organizational and communication abilities with comfort working in fast-paced, evolving R&D environments
• Creative problem-solving mindset and comfort working in ambiguous, first-of-their-kind problem spaces

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with ML or computational biology teams
• Background in protein design, antibodies, gene editing, or synthetic biology
• Early-stage biotech or startup experience
• Familiarity with both internal wet lab operations and CRO vendor management

What We Offer

• High-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein design
• Competitive compensation package with equity participation
• Comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance
• Generous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biology

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.

Hiring Salary Range

Salary compensation of $150,000 - $210,000 + equity commensurate with experience.