Director, Automation and Screening Protagonist Therapeutics - 4.0 Newark, CA Job Details Full-time $200,000 - $230,000 a year 1 hour ago Benefits Wellness program Commuter assistance AD&D insurance Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Vendor relationship building Data visualization software proficiency Team leadership Assay development Team development Biochemical laboratory techniques Drug discovery Doctor of Philosophy Pharmaceutical company experience Vendor relationship management Vendor communication Laboratory information systems (LIS) Cross-functional collaboration Managing medical research teams Automated liquid handling systems Project leadership Pharmaceutical research experience Data visualization projects Cross-functional communication Leading research teams Data analysis software Team building Full Job Description Director, Automation & Screening About Us Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery-through-late-stage development biopharmaceutical company with a proprietary technology platform that enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. 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, is approved 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 development and commercialization. Protagonist also discovered and led development through Phase 3 of rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide licensed to Takeda Pharmaceuticals. An NDA for rusfertide for the treatment of polycythemia vera is under priority review with the FDA. The Company also has a number of clinical and preclinical programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets, including an oral IL-17 antagonist peptide, 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. Position Summary 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 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. Responsibilities Recruit, manage, and mentor a team of scientists and technicians Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment 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 Oversee the design, development, and execution of screening campaigns Ensure the quality and reliability of screening data Lead the adaptation and scaling of cell-based and biochemical assays for automated platforms, including target engagement assays Work closely with other teams in Discovery to support their automation needs and ensure seamless project execution 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 Required Skills & Qualifications A Ph.d. in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or engineering is required A minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role 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 Proven ability to lead and develop a team of scientists Excellent 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 desirable Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and large-scale data management Experience 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 programs Pay 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. Benefits A 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 Benefits 401(k) Plan Flexible Vacation Policy Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) Short Term & Long Term Disability Company paid lunch and snacks