Head of Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs

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 a head of Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs to lead all aspects of our IP strategy and execution as well as build out and lead the company’s transactions and contract management processes. Reporting to the COO, this individual will partner closely with R&D, business development, and executive leadership to build a robust global IP portfolio that secures our platform technologies and therapeutic pipeline while positioning the company for long-term success. Responsibilities IP Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive IP strategy that protects Manifold's platform technology (protein barcoding, new shuttle technology, screening methods) and therapeutic programs across nucleic acid and protein modalities. Oversee prosecution of patent applications in collaboration with outside patent counsel; manage deadlines, portfolio strategy, and global filing decisions. Perform patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate analyses and IP diligence for new programs and platform expansions. Build and maintain an IP estate aligned with Manifold Bio’s positioning and the competitive landscape, including third party monitoring and landscape assessments. Work closely with Manifold scientists and business leaders to capture IP from ongoing R&D programs on invention disclosure, inventorship, and IP capture from ongoing R&D programs. Collaborate with business development and corporate teams for licensing, collaboration, and partnering efforts by advising on agreement IP provisions. Manage IP due diligence for partnerships and financings. Build our first in-house legal function, standing up a lean legal function as we scale Develop and maintain Manifold's standard contract templates and playbooks; build scalable internal processes for contract intake, review, execution, and archiving. Manage existing executed agreements for compliance, milestone tracking, and exercise of contractual rights. Structure and negotiate CRO, CMO, and vendor agreements with appropriate IP protections, publication rights, and material ownership provisions. Manage our network of external counsel (Intellectual Property, Trademark, Corporate, Transactions). Collaboration & Enablement Establish best practices for company IP and educate and provide education and counsel to the R&D organization and company management teams accordingly. Required Qualifications JD and PhD, or other advanced degree in life sciences, biotechnology, or a related field, registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 10+ years of IP experience, with significant time in biotech/biopharma experience. Demonstrated expertise in patent law, prosecution, and global IP landscape development and analysis. Proven track record of building and managing IP portfolios that support business growth. Experience negotiating routine biotechnology agreements and IP-related clauses in collaboration and partnership agreements Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain IP strategy to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Prior leadership experience in-house at a biotech or biopharma company strongly preferred. This role will be leveled between the Senior Director to VP level depending on experience of the candidate. Bas