Head of Automation

Glyphic Biotechnologies • Berkeley, CA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

Glyphic Biotechnologies is developing a massively parallel, single-molecule proteome sequencing platform to transform life science discovery. They are seeking a collaborative and technically grounded automation leader to lead their automation function end-to-end. This role involves partnering with scientific teams, architecting solutions, managing vendors and projects, and leading a team of automation engineers. The Head of Automation will play a central role in translating cutting-edge science into running systems, requiring both technical depth and leadership presence. The ideal candidate will have broad experience in laboratory automation and a track record of successfully completing complex automation projects, particularly in designing and building integrated multi-device workcells. This position offers the opportunity to shape the automation infrastructure of a next-generation proteomics platform and directly enable the company's scientific mission. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position located in Berkeley, CA.

Requirements

• Degree in a science or engineering discipline; advanced degree preferred but not required
• 8+ years of hands-on industry experience in laboratory automation
• 2+ years of experience managing and mentoring technical teams
• Proven experience building and delivering an integrated laboratory automation workcell — multi-device systems with robotic arms and scheduling software (e.g., Cellario, Automata, Green Button Go, or comparable)
• Expertise in at least one major liquid handling platform, and familiarity across multiple platforms.
• Broad laboratory automation vendor and platform knowledge — you can evaluate and select systems across the automation landscape, not just operate what you inherited
• Programming ability including Python, C# or similar
• Demonstrated fluency leveraging AI tools to accelerate work, including code development, troubleshooting, and solution design
• Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse scientific and technical backgrounds
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Hamilton STAR / Venus liquid handling platform
• Familiarity with chemistry-heavy workflows, including organic chemistry, proteomics, protein preparation, sequencing biochemistry, or molecular biology
• Experience developing or launching tools or instruments in a startup environment
• Experience with controlled-environment automation (e.g., nitrogen glove box setups)

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate a clear vision for the automation function across near- and long-term goals, translating strategic priorities into requirements your team can execute against
• Lead a small team of skilled automation engineers with clarity and purpose, effectively allocating team time and resources toward the highest-impact work
• Represent the automation function in cross-functional research meetings and provide regular updates to executive leadership
• Partner closely with chemistry and assay development teams to develop a deep understanding of their scientific processes, identify key bottlenecks, and translate their needs into well-scoped automation architectures
• Own the design, build, and operationalization of integrated automation workcells: multi-device systems with robotic arms, scheduling software, and coordinated instrument clusters capable of end-to-end assay execution
• Ensure automated screens run reliably and continuously as the chemistry and assay development teams develop and evolve assays
• Evaluate and select automation platforms, liquid handlers, robotic systems, and scheduling software across the vendor landscape, and manage vendors and external partners through complex, multi-phase projects
• Continuously research and develop knowledge of state-of-the-art automation tools and emerging technologies, integrating new capabilities into existing systems where they advance research velocity
• Contribute hands-on technical depth: reviewing code, troubleshooting instrument and integration issues, and writing instrument drivers or liquid handler programs as needed
• Drive engineering best practices across the team, including version-controlled codebases, standardized workflows, documented system architectures, and structured approaches to troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and error mode tracking
• Leverage AI tools actively across workflows: accelerating code development, diagnosing system issues, and turning around solutions faster than traditional approaches allow

Benefits

• Employee Stock Option Plan
• 100% Health Plan Coverage for Employees & Dependents (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
• Employer Retirement Contributions to 401(k)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Health & Wellbeing Program
• Office Snacks and Beverages
• Regular Team Bonding Activities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager