Director, Screening & Automation

Proclinical Consulting; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Proclinical Consulting seeks a Director of Screening & Automation to lead a newly created function in Newark, CA. You will build a world-class HTS and automation capability, recruit a scientific team, and drive innovation across screening workflows to accelerate drug discovery.

The role demands a PhD, 10+ years in biotech/pharma R&D, and demonstrated leadership in laboratory automation and assay development. This is a senior strategic role with high collaboration across functions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years in biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug discovery environments.
• Significant leadership experience managing and developing scientific teams.
• Deep expertise in laboratory automation, liquid handling platforms, robotic systems and screening technologies.
• Experience developing cell-based, biochemical and target engagement assays.

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

PhD in biology

HTS & automation

Leadership

High-content imaging

LIMS & data mgmt

Vendor/CRO mgmt

Education

PhD

Tools

Liquid handling platforms

Robotic systems

Automation software

Job description

Director, Screening & Automation - Permanent - Newark, CA

Are you ready to lead cutting-edge screening and automation project that accelerate breakthroughs in biotech? Proclinical is working alongside an innovative biotechnology company with an enviable portfolio of assets is seeking an experienced Director of Screening & Automation to establish and lead a newly created function supporting a growing drug discovery pipeline. This is a unique opportunity for a scientific leader with expertise in high-throughput screening (HTS), laboratory automation, assay development, and drug discovery technologies to build and scale a world-class screening capability. Reporting into senior Discovery leadership, the successful candidate will play a critical role in accelerating target validation, hit identification, and early-stage therapeutic discovery.

Primary Responsibilities

As Director, Screening & Automation, you will lead the development of automation strategies, high-throughput screening platforms, and functional assay capabilities that support multiple discovery programmes. You will recruit and mentor a team of scientists and technical specialists while driving innovation across screening workflows and laboratory technologies.

Skills & Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years' experience within biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug discovery environments.
• Significant leadership experience managing and developing scientific teams.
• Deep expertise in laboratory automation, liquid handling platforms, robotic systems and screening technologies.
• Strong background in high-throughput screening and assay development.
• Experience developing cell-based, biochemical and target engagement assays.
• Proven track record implementing new technologies that have impacted drug discovery productivity.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Acoustic liquid handling experience.
• High-content imaging expertise.
• LIMS and scientific data management experience.
• Experience managing external vendors, technology providers, and CROs.

The Director, Screening & Automation's Responsibilities Will Be

• 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.

Compensation

• $200,000 to $230,000 per annum.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to build and shape a newly established function.
• High visibility role with significant influence on discovery strategy.
• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, screening sciences, and laboratory automation.
• Join a collaborative and scientifically ambitious organisation committed to innovation and pipeline growth.