Associate Scientist, Display Technologies

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plans

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Company-wide shutdowns

Additional well-being benefits

Job summary

BigHat in San Mateo, CA is hiring an Associate Scientist in Display Technologies. In this role, you'll support antibody discovery using display technologies and collaborate with senior scientists to advance R&D initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology techniques and laboratory experience, with a focus on team collaboration and effective communication. BigHat offers competitive compensation, including bonuses and various health benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with general molecular biology techniques.
• Exposure to antibody biology and display technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects on display technologies.
• Lead construction and QC of display libraries.
• Analyze selection results and contribute to experimental design.

Skills

Molecular Biology Techniques

Laboratory Experience

Protein Expression

Time Management

Team Collaboration

Education

BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering

Tools

Flow Cytometry

ELISA

PCR

Job description

Associate Scientist, Display Technologies

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description

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