Head of Automation

What we are looking for in you

We are seeking a collaborative and technically grounded automation leader. Someone who is equally comfortable setting a long-range vision and rolling up their sleeves to solve hard problems alongside the team.

Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, the Head of Automation will lead Glyphic's automation function end-to-end: partnering with scientific teams to deeply understand their needs, architecting solutions, managing vendors and complex projects, and steering a skilled team of automation engineers toward the highest-impact work. This role sits at the center of how Glyphic translates cutting-edge science into running systems, and demands both the technical depth to evaluate and guide implementation and the leadership presence to keep a team aligned and moving forward.

The ideal candidate brings broad experience across the laboratory automation landscape and has a track record of seeing complex automation projects through from requirements to delivery. Prior experience designing and building an integrated multi-device workcell is the experience that will most set candidates apart.

This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the automation infrastructure of a next-generation proteomics platform — one that could redefine how the life sciences study the human proteome. The work you do here will directly enable the science that drives Glyphic's mission.

This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with work conducted at our Berkeley, CA location.

What you’ll do

• 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

What you need

Required:

• 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 have:

• 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)

We’re looking for a teammate that:

• Navigates complex team dynamics, partnerships, and challenges with creativity and logic.
• Operates with adaptability, urgency, and flexibility in evolving environments, thriving in ambiguity.
• Drives work forward without needing to be asked, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks.
• Treats obstacles as problems to be creatively solved, not reasons something can’t be done.
• Applies sound judgment to the best available information, testing, learning, and iterating.
• Shares early and directly when assumptions change, results are unclear, or timelines are at risk.

What you can expect from this role

Work environment:

• Collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
• Direct impact on product development and company direction

Professional growth:

• Learn from a diverse team of world-class scientists and engineers
• Contribute to first-of-their kind technologies, high-impact publications, and patents

Compensation

Estimated Base Salary $149,650 - $218,325

This is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including, experience, education, skillset, and geographic location. This range is for the SF Bay Area, California location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas. We are open to considering compensation above this range for candidates whose background and expertise exceed our expectations for the role.