Senior Director, Biotherapeutics

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: Manifold Bio is seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Biotherapeutics to help guide and mature our discovery, characterization, and production of shuttled therapeutics. This role spans discovery and nonclinical development, including bioengineering strategies to generate best-in-class molecules and oversight of external contract manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to develop processes and manufacture drug product for clinical trials. As a member of our leadership team, you will contribute to high-level strategy and help build internal resources to support our ambitious growth plans. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a cutting-edge biotechnology company while working with a collaborative, innovative team. Key Responsibilities: Team Management & Development Manage and mentor internal protein scientists and protein engineers Build and focus teams in a capital-efficient manner to support current and future pipeline needs Foster strong collaborative interactions between biotherapeutics teams and teams supporting AI/ML protein design and screening, oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery, and pharmacology Program Execution Support the discovery and characterization of shuttled therapeutics via 1-2 matrix project teams, serving as biotherapeutics lead or project lead Map out critical path activities through IND-enabling studies and ensure key activities are resourced and executed efficiently Engage with consultants, contractors and CROs/CDMOs to efficiently build expertise and capabilities that accelerate program progression Set and implement strategy for developability assessment and early-stage de-risking Prepare and present data packages for partnering discussions and investor presentations Strategic Leadership Contribute to high-level strategy and key objectives for discovery and development of shuttled therapeutics Establish development candidate nomination criteria for novel biotherapeutics with particular focus on developability metrics Identify and outline opportunities for backup molecule discovery and selection Qualifications: Required Experience & Skills Extensive experience in biotherapeutics across a range of protein modalities Proven track record engineering antibodies for clinical development Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art protein engineering approaches Experience with protein expression systems, purification methods, and characterization including developability assays Prior experience liaising with CDMOs Preferred Qualifications Expertise with novel modalities and complex formats, including ADCs, tissue-targeted therapeutics, and bispecific antibodies Understanding of high-throughput screening and bioanalytical technologies Experience with generative AI models for protein and/or oligonucleotide design 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 holi