Director, Automation and Screening

Protagonist Therapeutics • Newark, NJ

9d • Onsite

About The Position

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 .

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree