Director, High-Throughput Screening & Lab Automation

ProClinical; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Proclinical is seeking a Director of Screening & Automation to lead a newly established function in Newark, CA. The role focuses on high-throughput screening, laboratory automation, and assay development to accelerate drug discovery; reporting to senior discovery leadership and building a world-class screening capability.

You will recruit and mentor scientists and drive innovation across screening workflows while collaborating with multiple discovery teams to advance portfolio objectives.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in biotech/pharma drug discovery.
• Strong leadership of scientific teams.
• Deep expertise in laboratory automation and liquid handling.
• Experience with high-throughput screening and assay development.
• Experience developing cell-based and biochemical assays.
• Track record implementing new technologies in drug discovery.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Acoustic liquid handling experience.
• High-content imaging expertise.
• LIMS and scientific data management experience.
• Experience managing external vendors, technology providers, and CROs.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing Screening & Automation team.
• Define and execute the laboratory automation strategy to support drug discovery objectives.
• Lead the design, optimisation and execution of high-throughput screening campaigns.
• Oversee the development and transfer of cell-based and biochemical assays onto automated platforms. Implement innovative automation technologies, workflows and screening solutions to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Partner closely with biology, pharmacology, chemistry and discovery teams to support portfolio progression.
• Ensure high-quality screening data generation, operational excellence, and equipment performance.
• Manage external vendors, technology partners and CRO collaborations where appropriate.

Skills

HTS expertise

Laboratory automation

Assay development

Drug discovery

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Acoustic liquid handling

High-content imaging

LIMS experience

Vendor management

Education

PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Engineering

Tools

Robotic systems

Liquid handling platforms

Screening workflows

Job description

Proclinical is seeking a Director of Screening & Automation to lead a newly established function in Newark, CA. The role focuses on high-throughput screening, laboratory automation, and assay development to accelerate drug discovery; reporting to senior discovery leadership and building a world-class screening capability.

You will recruit and mentor scientists and drive innovation across screening workflows while collaborating with multiple discovery teams to advance portfolio objectives.