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. A deep, practical command of protein biochemistry and antibody purification — and a clear understanding of the developability and CMC 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.
• As a member of the Biotherapeutics leadership team, facilitate group operations and strategic decisions, contribute to the development of the culture and people within the group, and contribute to broader company-wide strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in protein biochemistry, biophysics, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience), with demonstrated depth in protein science.
• 10+ years of experience in biologics drug discovery and development, with a track record of advancing antibody-based therapeutics from discovery toward the clinic.
• Hands-on, expert-level knowledge of antibody and protein expression, purification, and biophysical/analytical characterization — including chromatography-based purification strategies, developability and quality assessment, and the automation needed to support high-throughput protein production.
• Working command of what it takes to develop an antibody as a drug — developability assessment, candidate selection criteria, and the handoff into CMC/process development and IND-enabling activities.
• Experience selecting and managing biologics CROs to extend internal protein production and characterization capacity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an established track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotech environment.

Values and Behaviors

We are seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication skills, and comfort working in and contributing to a dynamic and cross-functional team environment. The level of the role will be commensurate with the education and years of experience of the identified candidate.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

The salary range for this role is $183,000 - $231,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc. currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.