Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, In Vitro Pharmacology

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 highly skilled and motivated Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate to join our in vitro pharmacology team. In this role, you will support in vitro shuttled-oligonucleotide screening and disease programs through execution of essential assays that drive selection and Go/No Go decisions to progress molecules from screens into disease programs. You will execute essential molecular and biochemical assays for assessment and evaluation of oligonucleotide delivery shuttles and therapeutics. You will also drive assay development of fit-for-purpose assays for disease programs. This position is central to advancing our internal pipeline and establishing strategic partnerships. As a dedicated member of the in vitro pharmacology team, you will enable continuous execution of critical lab work, expand our molecular assay toolkit, and contribute directly to the advancement of breakthrough therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Run established in vitro shuttle screening assays in a variety of cell types; responsibilities will include cell culture, treatments, harvesting and downstream molecular biology readouts
• Maintain a variety of cell lines, including immortalized cell lines, primary cells and iPSC-derived cells
• Develop and execute program-specific assays for characterization/ testing of lead candidates and understanding MoA of shuttles and drug conjugates
• Support the characterization of lead shuttles by conducting receptor internalization/ trafficking assays, on-cell binding assays and/or  ligand competition assays
• Support oligonucleotide programs through testing and qualification of reagents in disease program-specific cell types (e.g. qPCR primer/probe validation, antibody validation for western blots and ELISAs, siRNA sequence validation) 
• Follow protocols rigorously and contribute to protocol refinement when needed
• Maintain accurate and organized data entry and analysis
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a dynamic research environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree and 1-2+ years of experience (biotech/pharma industry preferred)
• Experience culturing a variety of cell types, including immortalized cell lines, primary cells and/or iPSC-derived cells
• Molecular biology techniques, including qRT-PCR and Western blotting
• Ability to optimize and troubleshoot molecular biology assays
• Technical versatility, with the ability to quickly learn and own a variety of assays as needed
• Strong attention to detail with excellent data organization and recordkeeping
• Ability to follow SOPs and work independently in a high-throughput setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity or experience with oligonucleotide screening
• Flow cytometry and/or imaging experience

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: $70,000-$108,000

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.