VP, Platform Operations and Development

Founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2021, Metaphore aims to unlock breakthroughs that outperform today’s drugs for maximum patient impact. We adapted this idea to drug discovery. MIMIC, our computationally driven bioplatform that couples machine learning with molecular mimicry, engineers therapeutics to trigger a desired biological response. Our platform opens the possibility to develop engineered medicines with specific features to access a range of targets, including those that were previously intractable.

Flagship and Metaphore have announced a $600M research collaboration with Novo Nordisk to develop up to two next-generation therapeutics for obesity management. Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since 2000, Flagship has originated over 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in value. Many companies founded by Flagship have addressed urgent challenges such as COVID-19 vaccination, intractable disease cures, health improvement, illness prevention, and sustainable agriculture. Flagship has been recognized on Fortune’s "Change the World" list and Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.

Position Summary: Metaphore is seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic VP of Platform Operations and Development. The VP will drive the industrialization and scalability of Metaphore’s platform, productizing workflows from hit production and lead optimization to preclinical development. The candidate will accelerate and expand the platform through operational excellence, strategic decision-making, and innovation, supporting Metaphore’s growth as part of the R&D leadership team. The role involves overseeing discovery and development activities, leading the platform operations team, and bringing substantial experience in developing protein therapeutics from early discovery through IND to clinical phases. Strong leadership, team-building, and innovative approaches are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Bring operational excellence to a first-in-class platform unlocking the therapeutic potential of molecular mimicry.
• Oversee hit-to-lead workflows, integrating high-throughput capabilities (protein production, bioanalytical characterization, NGS, automation, research informatics) for lead candidate identification.
• Design, build, and harmonize productized workflows to enable efficient therapeutic program parallelization.
• Develop scientific operations ensuring scalability and operational excellence, leveraging automation, digital infrastructure, and data-driven processes.
• Collaborate with teams to establish capabilities for comprehensive datasets to support machine learning algorithms.
• Work with leadership to develop scientific and product strategies focusing on value creation and sustainability.
• Manage hires and foster an inclusive culture motivated by scientific innovation and patient impact.
• Support IP protection, creation, and expansion.
• Build relationships within Flagship’s scientific community and establish external collaborations.
• Manage external relationships with contract research organizations.
• Present to the Board, Scientific Advisors, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of R&D experience in biotech/pharma or academia, including leadership of mid to large R&D teams.
• PhD or equivalent in relevant fields such as pharmacology, molecular biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or medical engineering.
• Experience leading multiple development programs from discovery to early clinical stages.
• Experience building operations teams supporting preclinical research and CMC management.
• Proficiency in automation and digital infrastructure supporting AI/ML.
• Strong executive skills, decision-making abilities, and willingness to incorporate diverse perspectives.
• Knowledge of regulatory processes for protein therapeutics.
• Ability to work effectively with technical teams in fast-paced environments.
• Proven talent recruitment and development skills.

Values and Behaviors:

Flagship values entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication, and adaptability in a dynamic, innovative environment. We welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, emphasizing passion and potential over perfect matches.