Developability Scientist – Antibody Platforms (Lab Lead)

BigHat Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences in San Mateo, CA seeks a hands-on scientist to drive antibody developability assessments for its Milliner Platform. This lab-based role involves executing developability workflows and guiding project strategies to address scientific challenges.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Biochemistry or a related field, with 3+ years of experience in antibody characterization. BigHat offers health insurance options, 401(k) with company match, and bonus opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industry experience or exceptional bench experience for non-PhD candidates.
• Strong background in biophysical characterization of antibodies and antibody fragments.
• Experience with protein structures and antibody engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead developability R&D projects and optimize assays.
• Drive assessments for purity, stability, and biophysical properties.
• Support late-stage characterization and IND-enabling studies.
• Serve as the Developability lead within project teams.
• Analyze data and propose next steps.

Skills

Biophysical and analytical characterization of antibodies

Data analysis and interpretation

Method development and optimization

Antibody engineering

Automation in lab workflows

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or relevant discipline

Tools

SEC

HIC

CE-SDS

DLS

DSF

ELISA

LC-MS

Job description

Description

The Role: BigHat Biosciences is looking for a hands-on, bench-driven scientist to drive antibody developability assessments that advance our Milliner Platform for AI-designed therapeutics. This is a primarily lab-based role where you'll spend the majority of your time at the bench executing and innovating on our developability workflows.

• 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

Description

The Role: BigHat Biosciences is looking for a hands-on, bench-driven scientist to drive antibody developability assessments that advance our Milliner Platform for AI-designed therapeutics. This is a primarily lab-based role where you'll spend the majority of your time at the bench executing and innovating on our developability workflows.

• 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.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead developability R&D projects: design, optimize, and execute high throughput developability assays to expand BigHat’s toolkit.
• Drive developability assessments (purity, stability, tolerability, biophysical properties) across programs, with strong attention to data interpretation and organization.
• Support late-stage characterization and IND-enabling studies, including formulation screening, stress testing, peptide mapping, and simulated administration studies, to rank and advance lead candidates.
• Serve as the Developability lead within project teams, guiding experimental strategy to address liabilities and hit program milestones.
• Work cross-functionally to automate and train colleagues on new and existing methods, build QC frameworks for monitoring assay performance, and adapt workflows to existing LIMS infrastructure.
• Proactively and independently analyze data, interpret scientific findings, propose next steps, and broadcast findings clearly across the organization.
  
  

Skills Knowledge And Expertise

• PhD in Biochemistry or relevant discipline with 3+ year(s) of industry experience; exceptional non-PhD candidates with deep bench experience will be considered.
• Strong background in biophysical and analytical characterization of antibodies and antibody fragments: SEC, HIC, CE-SDS, DLS, DSF, ELISA, LC-MS, including method development and optimization.
• Track record of translating complex data into clear results and recommended actions.
• Experience with protein structures and antibody engineering.
• Enthusiastic about learning and onboarding new technologies to expand capabilities and improve work quality, timelines, throughput or cost.
• Nice-to-haves include prior experience working in a dynamic start-up environment, working as a project lead, and working with automation.
  
  

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $145,000 - $165,000 + 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