Scientist, Phage Display & Discovery

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 an exceptional scientist with expertise in library-based methodologies and substantial wet-lab experience to join our team. In this role, you will lead comprehensive library-based projects from conception to completion, engineering therapeutic proteins with transformative potential. You will develop and execute novel high-throughput screening assays, design and construct DNA libraries using advanced cloning techniques, and analyze complex library screens, including massively parallel in vivo screens powered by our proprietary mCode protein barcoding technology. You will work with a highly interdisciplinary team of creative experimental, computational, and hybrid scientists to advance high-throughput protein engineering and synthetic biology initiatives. As a key member of our growing company, you will contribute to building a culture that embraces scientific boldness and a strong team-focused approach to solving problems.

Required Qualifications

Wet Lab Expertise:

• Masters/PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques and protocols.
• Hands-on experience with phage-based display approaches.
• Experience designing and constructing diverse DNA libraries for protein engineering applications.
• Proven capability in library-based protein engineering, including experience with high-throughput or multiplexed assay formats.
• Skilled in designing, executing, and analyzing complex experimental workflows from end to end.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Curious and flexible, with a strong desire to work collaboratively within a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team environment.
• A love for tinkering with biological parts and solving challenges to develop novel assays.
• Enthusiasm for combining rational design with unbiased approaches to problem-solving.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of start-up, biotech, or pharma experience in protein engineering or assay development.
• Direct experience with display technologies and selections including phage, yeast, and/or ribosome display.
• Hands-on experience with generating and maintaining overexpression cell lines.
• Hands-on experience with Next Geneneration Sequencing (NGS).
• Experience with handling/processing animal tissues.
• Experience developing or engineering brain shuttle technologies for improved blood-brain barrier transport.
• Familiarity with screening-based methods with an NGS readout, e.g. DMS, MPRA, CRISPR screening, cancer screens, single cell sequencing.
• Experience with data analysis (Python or R).
  
  

Base Salary Range: $118,000-138,000

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 holidays
• Perks including on-site gym, onsite lunch, and commuter support
  
  

Our compensation ranges are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with market trends and internal equity.

We value different experiences and ways of thinking and believe the most talented teams are built by bringing together people of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.