Scientific Program Manager Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

The RoleProfluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures.We are seeking a Scientific Program Manager to join our Machine Learning (ML) team and establish a new critical function at Profluent: the systematic measurement and evaluation of our protein design platform. You will be the architect of our wet lab validation strategy, building the evaluation framework that serves as the beating heart of our company/'s core competency. Essentially, the successful applicant will enable us to clearly see where we are headed as a company.As our ML team develops cutting-edge protein design models, you will translate their computational breakthroughs into robust experimental validation campaigns. This role combines deep biological expertise with program management excellence to create actionable insights that directly inform our research direction and platform development.This is a foundational role - you will establish Profluent/'s experimental evaluation capabilities from the ground up, working cross-functionally with ML scientists, internal wet lab teams, and external partners to ensure our AI-generated proteins perform in the real world.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement comprehensive evaluation frameworks for protein design performance, defining the key metrics that measure our platform/'s successEstablish benchmark standards across different protein scaffolds, assays, and validation approaches to continuously measure platform improvementsIdentify critical evaluation axes that guide ML research priorities and ensure our computational efforts align with experimental feasibilityTranslate ML hypotheses into robust wet lab experiments, focusing on assay selection, experimental controls, and data quality standardsCoordinate computational protein design campaigns with the ML team, from initial design objectives through experimental validationManage the full experimental lifecycle, including protocol development, timeline management, and results interpretationSelect and manage CRO partnerships, negotiating scopes, pricing, and timelines for external experimental workBuild relationships with academic collaborators and industry partners to expand our experimental capabilitiesBalance internal vs. external experimental resources, providing strategic input on scaling decisions and resource allocationCross-Functional LeadershipServe as the primary liaison between computational and experimental teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignmentCollaborate with finance and legal teams on contract management, budget planning, and spend trackingContribute to long-term strategic planning, including hiring decisions, resource planning, and milestone settingRequired QualificationsPhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with 2-3 years industry experience, or Master/'s with 5-7 years industry experienceHands-on experience designing and executing screening experiments in wet lab settingsProven track record managing external partnerships with CROs, academic labs, and industry collaboratorsStrong program management skills with experience coordinating cross-functional teams and complex project timelinesExceptional organizational and communication abilities with comfort working in fast-paced, evolving R&D environmentsCreative problem-solving mindset and comfort working in ambiguous, first-of-their-kind problem spacesPreferred QualificationsExperience collaborating with ML or computational biology teamsBackground in protein design, antibodies, gene editing, or synthetic biologyEarly-stage biotech or startup experienceFamiliarity with both internal wet lab operations and CRO vendor managementWhat We OfferHigh-growth opportunity with meaningful impact on the future of protein designCompetitive compensation package with equity participationGenerous PTO policy and commitment to work-life balanceProfessional development opportunities in a cutting-edge field at the intersection of AI and biologyProfluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.Work Authorization RequirementApplicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.Employment Eligibility VerificationLegal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.Hiring Salary RangeSalary compensation of $150,000 - $210,000 + equity commensurate with experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17