Director, Protein Sciences

Position Summary Metaphore Bio is a generative AI drug design company creating a new class of functional antibodies. We are seeking an accomplished protein scientist and people leader to build and run the engine that turns computationally designed antibodies into well-characterized, developable therapeutic proteins. This is a rare opportunity to pair deep protein biochemistry and antibody purification expertise with a first-in-class AI platform — and to shape how a new modality moves from sequence to drug candidate.

The Director/Sr. Director of Protein Cell Sciences will lead the team responsible for high-throughput expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of antibodies and related proteins, and for the cell culture, engineering, and scale-up needed to produce material from milligram to multi-gram scale in support of discovery. You will deliver high-quality antibody and protein reagents across multiple simultaneous biologics discovery programs, enable optimization of our discovery platform, manage a team of direct and indirect reports, and coordinate protein expression, purification, and characterization across both in-house and outsourced operations.

Requirements

that separate a promising lead from a viable drug — will be central to your success in the role. As a member of the Biotherapeutics Enabling Technologies leadership team, you will partner closely with the head of the unit to establish and grow a Protein Cell Sciences function that maximizes the potential of Metaphore’s platform to deliver transformative therapeutics to patients.

Responsibilities

Scientific and Functional Leadership Lead an engaged and entrepreneurial team of 4-5 scientists that contributes significantly to the advancement of the internal and partnered portfolio, develops novel platforms and techniques, and delivers well-characterized, high-quality development candidates. Establish, maintain, and communicate best practices for biochemistry and cell biology techniques including expression, production, purification, and analytical and functional characterization of antibodies and related therapeutic proteins. Ensure high quality data management including the use of electronic laboratory environments/LIMS for data storage and retrieval, to maximize the potential of AI/ML methods to deliver high-quality leads.

Partner with research informatics and laboratory automation teams to identify and implement opportunities for improved workflows, more efficient protein production and characterization, and parallelized therapeutic discovery. Serve as a scientific authority on protein therapeutics, making high-impact contributions to program strategy, molecule design, and candidate developability. Strategy and Execution Implement and manage outsourced protein production and characterization work with CROs that complements internal resourcing.

Serve as a major interface with downstream CMC functions and external CDMOs to enable seamless progression of molecules into and through DC nomination, process development, and early manufacturing. Accountable for resourcing decisions for programs within the HTPP function. Partner with peers on the Biotherapeutics leadership team to manage resources, budgets, and operations.

Team Building and External Engagement Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing Protein Sciences unit. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability by partnering with other functions within the Biotherapeutics unit and across Metaphore. Partner with external collaborators, CROs, and technology providers to expand capabilities and accelerate timelines.