Director, Automation and Screening

Position: Director, Automation and Screening Location: Newark, CAJob Id: 428 # of Openings: 0 Director, Automation & ScreeningAbout UsProtagonist Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company built on a proprietary peptide technology platform that has now produced two FDA-approved, first-in-class medicines, generating royalties and milestones from global commercial partnerships with Johnson and Johnson and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. ICOTYDE (icotrokinra), licensed to Johnson & Johnson company Janssen Biotech, Inc., is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor. ICOTYDE was launched in the U.S. in March 2026 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older and is in Phase 3 development for psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further clinical and regulatory development and commercialization. Protagonist also discovered and led research and development through Phase 3 for MIMRYLO (rusfertide), a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide licensed to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for worldwide commercialization. MIMRYLO is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of erythrocytosis in adults with PV. The Company also has a number of clinical and preclinical programs based on clinically and commercially validated targets and addressing unmet medical needs, including an oral IL-17 antagonist peptide, anti-obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin discovery programs.More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at .Position SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to lead our new Screening and Automation team within the Biology and Translational Science unit. This is a leadership role where you will be responsible for building and managing a team dedicated to developing and implementing automated screening and functional assays. This role will report to the VP of Biology and Translational Sciences and work closely with the biology, chemistry, and pharmacology teams to drive pipeline growth. The Director of Screening and Automation will play a critical role in our drug discovery efforts by scaling screening, target engagement assays, and driving the adoption of new automation technologies.We are committed to a thriving in-office culture. This role requires being on-site at our office in Newark, CA 4 days a week.ResponsibilitiesRecruit, manage, and mentor a team of scientists and techniciansFoster a collaborative and innovative team environmentDevelop and execute a comprehensive strategy for laboratory automation to support our drug discovery pipelineIdentify and implement new automation technologies and workflows to increase efficiency and capacityOversee the design, development, and execution of screening campaignsEnsure the quality and reliability of screening dataLead the adaptation and scaling of cell-based and biochemical assays for automated platforms, including target engagement assaysWork closely with other teams in Discovery to support their automation needs and ensure seamless project executionBe responsible for the maintenance and performance of all screening and automation equipmentDevelop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with all relevant regulationsRequired Skills & QualificationsA Ph.d. in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or engineering is requiredA minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership roleExtensive hands-on experience with laboratory automation, including liquid handlers, robotic systems, and high-throughput screening instrumentationProficiency in developing and optimizing a variety of cell-based and biochemical assaysExperience with data analysis and visualization softwareProven ability to lead and develop a team of scientistsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different teams and disciplines Experience with acoustic liquid handling, high-content imaging, and other advanced screening technologies is highly desirableFamiliarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and large-scale data managementExperience managing relationships with external vendors and contract research organizations (CROs)A demonstrated track record of implementing novel automation platforms and workflows that have significantly impacted drug discovery programsPay Range The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $200,000 and $230,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.BenefitsA top priority for Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. is to provide a robust and comprehensive health and wellness program for our employees and their families. We offer a variety of high-quality coverage and benefit options.Health Care benefits. Protagonist covers 100% of the premium cost for medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees and their dependents.Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits401(k) PlanFlexible Vacation PolicyLife Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Short Term & Long Term DisabilityCompany paid lunch and snacks Apply for this Position