Director, Oligo Team Lead

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 specific to oligos
• Track record of successful partnerships and external collaborations