Director, Screening & Automation

About the role

Proclinical is working alongside an innovative biotechnology company with an enviable portfolio of assets to establish and lead a newly created function supporting a growing drug discovery pipeline. Reporting into senior Discovery leadership, the successful candidate will play a critical role in accelerating target validation, hit identification, and early-stage therapeutic discovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of automation strategies, high-throughput screening platforms, and functional assay capabilities that support multiple discovery programmes.
• Recruit and mentor a team of scientists and technical specialists while driving innovation across screening workflows and laboratory technologies.
• 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 & 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.

Pay

$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.