Director, Oligo Team Lead

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 work across this full stack to pursue programs both internally and with leading pharma companies. Position Manifold Bio is seeking an experienced drug development leader to guide strategy and execution of our shuttled oligonucleotide therapeutics programs. You will define and execute the strategic vision for our oligonucleotide therapeutic capabilities, leveraging our proprietary shuttle screening technology to discover and develop the next generation of tissue-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics. This role combines technical leadership of scientific staff focused on designing, screening, and evaluating tissue-targeted oligonucleotides, with strategic leadership of cross-functional drug discovery teams advancing lead molecules toward clinical testing. Responsibilities Build and lead a fit-for-purpose oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery team that includes both internal and outsourced expertise and capabilities, as needed. Lead 1-2 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. Work with company leadership and cross-functional experts to prioritize high-value therapeutic targets for tissue-targeted oligo therapeutics. Define best-in-class target product profiles for tissue-targeted therapeutic oligonucleotides. Define workplans and track progress to deliver on those target product profiles. Closely track advances in the field and provide strategic direction for continued development and expansion of Manifold’s shuttled oligo discovery efforts. Clearly communicate scientific progress and challenges to team members, leadership, and internal/external collaborators Establish and optimize innovative, efficient screening and production systems that leverage Manifold’s multiplexed in vivo screening capabilities. Serve as oligonucleotide therapeutic subject matter expert in discussions with potential partners, collaborators, and investors Required Qualifications PhD in a relevant field (chemistry, biochemistry, nucleic acid chemistry/biology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmacology or related discipline) Minimum of 10 years post-PhD experience, including experience in industry drug-discovery programs Diverse experience with multiple oligonucleotide modalities (ASOs, siRNAs, aptamers, mRNA), different backbone chemistries/modifications Knowledge of proven and emerging technologies for delivering oligo medicines to cellular targets (LNPs, passive or active targeting moieties, etc.) Experience progressing oligonucleotide therapies from early discovery through IND-enabling preclinical activities / early clinical development Demonstrated leadership of effective specialized and cross-functional scientific teams Demonstrated ability to mentor junior scientists Excellent written and verbal communication skills Preferred Qualifications 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, developability, and CMC considerations spec