Director, Automation and Screening

Role: Lead the development and management of Protagonist's Screening and Automation team within the Biology and Translational Science unit, focusing on automating drug discovery assays. Responsibilities: build and mentor a scientific team, create strategies for laboratory automation, implement new automation technologies, oversee screening campaigns, ensure data quality, adapt assays for automation platforms, and maintain equipment and SOPs. Requirements: Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, engineering, or related field; 10+ years in pharma/biotech with 5+ years in leadership; extensive hands-on experience with laboratory automation (liquid handlers, robotic systems, high-throughput screening); strong assay development skills; familiarity with data analysis software; excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. Preferred: experience with advanced screening tech (acoustic liquid handling, high-content imaging), LIMS, external vendor management, and impactful automation workflows. High-Value: drug discovery, automation, high-throughput screening, cell-based and biochemical assays, Newark, CA, on-site 4 days/week.