Scientist, Bioconjugation

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 a scientist experienced in protein chemistry, oligonucleotide chemistry, and bioconjugation. You will be responsible for designing and executing bioconjugation strategies for protein-oligonucleotide conjugates, as well as bioconjugated fluorophores, tags, and peptides. In addition to performing, optimizing, and troubleshooting bioconjugation in the lab, you will oversee contract research organizations executing specialized or large-scale bioconjugation projects. You will consistently execute core bioconjugation protocols, proactively contribute to workflow optimization, and bring your excitement for rigorous science and troubleshooting to our growing cross-functional team. You will join a team with deep experience in protein chemistry, RNA biology, and biology, and work closely with a highly interdisciplinary team of creative experimental and computational scientists to advance our tissue-targeted oligomedicines pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot bioconjugation reactions for protein-oligonucleotide conjugates and other bioconjugated fluorophores, tags, and peptides
• Purify and characterize bioconjugated products using standard biochemical techniques
• Build and maintain a parallelized, efficient workflow to support in vivo target engagement evaluation of multiple new candidate tissue-targeting shuttles using tool siRNA payloads
• Oversee contract research organizations (CROs) performing specialized or large-scale bioconjugation projects
• Proactively identify and drive optimization of existing bioconjugation and analytical workflows
• Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and contribute to scientific discussions and experimental design

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field
• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on wet-lab experience in protein production, purification, and biochemistry
• Proficiency in basic biochemical techniques (e.g., protein quantification, gel electrophoresis, chromatography)
• Proven ability to troubleshoot biochemical assays and optimize experimental protocols
• Experience with bioconjugation chemistry principles and methodologies (e.g., cysteine-based, lysine-based, and/or enzymatic conjugation strategies)
• Familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry and handling

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-throughput screening or automation
• Familiarity with analytical techniques for biomolecule characterization (e.g., mass spectrometry, DLS, BLI, SPR)
• Experience establishing and troubleshooting enzymatic assays
• Demonstrated leadership or mentorship of junior scientists
• Strong presentation skills and design sensibility

Why you might be a good fit

• You get energy from solving a critical-path bottleneck and building the workflow that unblocks the rest of the team
• You take rigor seriously and want your bioconjugated constructs to be reproducible at scale
• You''re comfortable managing external partners and holding CRO-generated work to the same bar as your own
• You''re scrappy, iterate quickly, and take ownership of projects through to resolution
• You communicate clearly, document rigorously, and enjoy working across a highly interdisciplinary team

If you're excited to use unique protein technologies to shape an innovative drug development strategy, build meaningful industry partnerships, and contribute directly to our mission of advancing breakthrough treatments, please apply!

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.