Associate Director​/Director- Lab Automation

Associate Director / Director – Lab Automation

Join Excelsior Sciences, a New York‑based startup transforming small‑molecule drug discovery through modular chemistry and automated synthesis.

We seek a senior‑level, hands‑on lab automation expert to design, build, program, and deploy automation systems, shape strategy, and mentor scientists.

• Lead by doing: identify, assess, implement, and support automation solutions for synthesis, characterization, purification, and high‑throughput biological analysis.
• Design, program, and optimize automation workflows, develop new scripts, and improve existing protocols to reduce human error and increase efficiency.
• Serve as technical authority and problem‑solver for lab automation organization wide.
• Provide training and ongoing support to biologists and chemists.
• Collaborate with biology, chemistry, and AI teams to align automation with discovery goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging automation technologies to address workflow bottlenecks and scalability.
• Maintain scientific rigor, operational excellence, and professionalism.

• BS or MS in life sciences or related field with 7‑15 years of progressive, hands‑on experience applying lab automation in life‑science or drug‑discovery research.
• Expert‑level programming and deployment of liquid handlers (Beckman, Hamilton, Tecan) and/or integrated robotic workcells (Automata, Bio Sero, High Res Bio Solutions).
• Experience translating manual chemistry protocols and/or biological assays into robust automated workflows.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and creative practical thinking in complex automation environments.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and adapt in a rapidly changing startup environment.
• Independent and collaborative in a matrixed organization; comfortable wearing multiple hats at strategic and execution levels.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in modern programming languages (Python, JavaScript, C#, R).
• Electro‑mechanical design/assembly skills and CAD/3D printing experience.
• Experience with drug‑discovery LIMS/ELN systems.

Salary range: $150,000 – $220,000 per year, plus comprehensive benefits.

New York, NY

Excelsior Sciences is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to religion, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.