What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Screening and Automation position at Protagonist Therapeutics?
Director, Screening and Automation
We 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 high-throughput screening assays. This role will report to the VP of Biology and Translational Sciences and work closely 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.
Responsibilities
Category
Description
Team Leadership
Recruit, manage, and mentor a team of scientists and technicians. Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
Automation Strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for laboratory automation to support our drug discovery pipeline. Identify and implement new automation technologies and workflows to increase efficiency and capacity.
High-Throughput Screening
Oversee the design, development, and execution of high-throughput screening campaigns. Ensure the quality and reliability of screening data.
Assay Development
Lead the adaptation and scaling of cell-based and biochemical assays for automated platforms, including target engagement assays.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely other teams in Discovery to support their automation needs and ensure seamless project execution.
Operational Excellence
Be responsible for the maintenance and performance of all screening and automation equipment. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Qualifications
Category
Description
Education
A Ph.D. in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or engineering is required.
Experience
A minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Technical Skills
Extensive hands-on experience with laboratory automation, including liquid handlers, robotic systems, and high-throughput screening instrumentation.
Proficiency in developing and optimizing a variety of cell-based and biochemical assays.
Experience with data analysis and visualization software.
Leadership
Proven ability to lead and develop a team of scientists.
Communication
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different teams and disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications
Category
Description
Advanced Technologies
Experience with acoustic liquid handling, high-content imaging, and other advanced screening technologies is highly desirable.
Data Management
Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and large-scale data management.
External Collaboration
Experience managing relationships with external vendors and contract research organizations (CROs).
Innovation
A demonstrated track record of implementing novel automation platforms and workflows that have significantly impacted drug discovery programs.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $210,000 and $250,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery through late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. The Company's proprietary peptide technology platform enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. ICOTYDE™ (icotrokinra) is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. ICOTYDE is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) licensed to Janssen Biotech, Inc.,a Johnson & Johnson company. 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 development and commercialization. An NDA for rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide that is being co-developed with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide license and collaboration agreement entered in 2024, is under priority review with the FDA. Protagonist holds an option to co-commercialize rusfertide in the U.S. through a 50/50 profit and loss share structure or can opt-out of this structure. The Company also has a number of preclinical stage drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets including an oral IL-17 peptide antagonist, obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin programs.
More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com.
Salary : $210,000 - $250,000