Director, Automation and Screening

Scorpion Therapeutics; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics in Newark, CA is seeking to lead the Screening and Automation team within our Biology and Translational Science unit to automate drug discovery assays. You will build and mentor a scientific team, create strategies for laboratory automation, implement new automation technologies, and oversee screening campaigns to deliver high-quality data.

This on-site role involves maintaining equipment, ensuring SOP compliance, and collaborating across disciplines to advance new drug

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in pharma/biotech with 5+ years in leadership.
• 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.

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.
• Maintain equipment and SOPs.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in biology/biochemistry/engineering or related

Tools

Liquid handlers

Robotic systems

High-throughput screening

Job description

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
• 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
• Impactful automation workflows

High-Value

• Drug discovery
• Automation
• High-throughput screening
• Cell-based and biochemical assays
• Newark, CA
• On-site 4 days/week