Head of Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs

Responsibilities

• 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.

Pay

Base Salary Range: $260,000 - $370,000

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, and expected impact.

Benefits

• Annual performance-based target bonus
• Stock options
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible paid time off and holidays
• Perks including on-site gym, onsite lunch, and commuter support

Schedule

This role will be leveled between the Senior Director to VP level depending on experience of the candidate.