Director, Lab Automation

The role

You will lead internal laboratory automation platforms and develop autonomous science capabilities. This involves owning a fully-automated robotics system and collaborating with research departments to implement automation across experimental science.

What you will do

• Own the core HighRes-based automation platform, leading installation, configuration, and routine operation.
• Serve as the primary technical resource and strategic partner for laboratory automation across all research functions.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual workflows and improve experimental consistency, scale, and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with AI/ML, data science, and experimental teams to implement AI-driven scientific capabilities.
• Build and lead a small team that operates, evolves, and expands automation platforms and autonomous science systems.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and vendors.
• Build and maintain external relationships to advance capabilities.
• Recruit, manage, and develop technical talent.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in life sciences, bioengineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of hands-on experience with laboratory automation systems in a drug discovery or pharmaceutical R&D environment
• Direct experience operating high-throughput liquid handling platforms
• Ability to independently develop and troubleshoot complex automated assay workflows from concept through routine operation
• Experience working cross-functionally with experimental and data science teams
• Ability to translate scientific requirements into automation specifications and vice versa
• Curious and growth-oriented mindset
• Ability to adapt modern AI tools as a part of everyday work
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively
• Ability to recruit, manage, and develop technical talent
• Comfortable working in a small-company environment where scope is broad and self-direction is expected

Nice to have

• Familiarity with HighRes, Benchling platforms, and AI-driven / autonomous scientific systems

Benefits

• Annual target bonus
• Equity
• Comprehensive suite of competitive benefits

About the company

Parabilis Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating medicines for patients with serious diseases by unlocking biologically important targets. The company has pioneered a new class of alpha-helical peptides called Helicons™.