Head of Drug Discovery Automation & High Throughput Screening
South San Francisco, CA | On-site
Biotech Startup | Drug Discovery | Automation, HTS, & AI
About the Role
We’re a fast-moving biotech startup combining biology, automation, and machine learning to discover and develop novel therapeutics for complex diseases. We’re looking for an experienced and visionary Head of Automation & High Throughput Screening (HTS) to lead the design, development, and scaling of our screening platforms.
In this leadership role, you’ll own strategy and execution for automation and HTS infrastructure, driving data quality, throughput, and efficiency across discovery programs. You’ll partner closely with cross-functional teams across biology, engineering, quality, and AI/ML to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern drug discovery.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and lead automation and HTS systems to support high-throughput experimentation
- Design, prototype, and optimize robotic workflows and data systems
- Oversee integration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lab automation equipment
- Establish SOPs, data communication protocols, and documentation standards
- Collaborate with R&D and informatics teams to align automation efforts with discovery goals
- Identify and implement emerging automation technologies to maintain competitive edge
- Train and mentor scientific staff on automated workflows and instrumentation
- Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards (cGLP, cGMP, etc.)
Qualifications
- BS/MS and 10+ years of Biotech/Pharmaceutical setting experience in automation and HTS of therapeutic drugs
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s in Automation, Engineering, Biology, or related fields
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing lab automation systems
- Strong knowledge of assay development, robotics, instrumentation, and integration
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality systems (cGxP is a plus)
- Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills
- Experience setting up automation infrastructure in a startup or fast-paced environment is highly desirable
Work at the intersection of cutting-edge biology, AI, and engineering
Help build a next-generation automation platform from the ground up
Collaborate with a world-class, interdisciplinary team
Make a real impact on how new medicines are discovered