Associate Scientist, Display Technologies

BigHat Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

DTO and company holidays

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences in San Mateo, CA is currently seeking an Associate Scientist to join their Display Technologies team. This role focuses on antibody discovery and engineering through advanced experimental techniques, contributing directly to machine learning applications.

The ideal candidate will possess a BS or MS in Biochemistry or a related field and have over 4 years of laboratory experience, including strong skills in molecular biology techniques. BigHat offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry); relevant internship or research experience welcome.
• Familiarity with general molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis).
• Exposure to antibody biology, display technologies (phage or yeast), and protein expression.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects advancing display technologies at BigHat.
• Lead in the construction and QC of phage and yeast display libraries.
• Execute phage and yeast display selections to discover and engineer antibodies.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Laboratory experience

Time management

Communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering

Tools

PCR

Molecular cloning

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Job description

Description

At BigHat we believe in titles that commensurate with skill set, relative organizational impact, and value contribution; more experienced candidates are encouraged to apply, with the understanding that responsibilities and title would adjust as appropriate.

Department

Lab Science

Location

San Mateo, CA

The role

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a curious and motivated Associate Scientist to join the Display Technologies team. This individual will contribute to BigHat’s antibody discovery and engineering efforts and help generate high-quality data to improve BigHat’s machine learning models using display technologies, working closely with senior scientists and cross‑functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects advancing display technologies at BigHat that expands BigHat's antibody discovery capabilities and feed its ML models.
• Lead in the construction and QC of phage and yeast display libraries across diverse antibody formats (VHH, scFv, Fab) using standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, electroporation).
• Execute phage and yeast display selections using naive and affinity and stability maturation libraries to discover and engineer antibodies with desired therapeutic properties.
• Express, purify, and characterize display‑derived molecules using assays including ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI/SPR, CE‑SDS, and others.
• Analyze selection results and contribute to discussions on next steps and future experimental design.
• Collaborate with BigHat’s Data Science and Machine Learning teams to inform library design and interpret selection data for model training.
• Present experimental plans and results during regular meetings with manager and science teams.
• Maintain thorough records using LIMS and electronic notebooks.

Skills Knowledge And Expertise

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience (academic or industry); relevant internship or research experience welcome.
• Familiarity with general molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis).
• Exposure to antibody biology, display technologies (phage or yeast), and protein expression.
• Demonstrated ability to follow protocols carefully, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain detailed lab records.
• Effective time management and clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset with an eagerness to learn in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Nice‑to‑haves include experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, or other binding assays, and familiarity with NGS or automation platforms.

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 + bonus + options + benefits. Compensation will vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Actual compensation will be confirmed in writing at the time of the offer.

What BigHat Offers

• Range of health insurance plan options through Anthem and Kaiser (monthly credit if benefit waived)
• Dental and vision coverage through Guardian
• Additional well‑being benefits through Nayya, OneMedical, Wagmo, Rula, and more
• 401(k) with company match
• DTO, two weeks of company‑wide shutdown, and 12 company holidays
• Paid parental leave