Lab Automation Research Associate, Production

BigHat; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a self-motivated Research Associate I, Production to power our high-throughput, automated platform for antibody production and deep molecular characterization.

The role involves performing automated and manual processing, scaling the platform, and developing SOPs. You will maintain meticulous records, communicate results clearly, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to drive production workflow improvements in a fast-growing startup.

Qualifications

• BS in Biology or Chemistry with 1+ year industry experience.
• Experience in process execution, method development, optimization.
• Ability to work varied start times (e.g., 7AM–3PM).
• Experience with automated liquid handlers or interest in learning.
• Molecular biology techniques and standard lab practices.
• Strong documentation and data recording habits.

Responsibilities

• Perform automated and manual high-throughput processing on BigHat platform.
• Scale up platform and generate production-grade data.
• Support PRAS functions by contributing to reagent manufacturing.
• Execute experiments to optimize performance.
• Maintain detailed experiment records and communicate results.
• Collaborate to create SOPs for sample processing.
• Identify and implement process improvements for production workflows.
• Operate automated liquid handlers and analytical instruments.

Skills

Lab techniques

Time management

Collaborative mindset

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

BS in Biology or Chemistry

Tools

Hamilton

OpenTrons

Tecan

Agilent systems

Job description

Research Associate I, Production

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description

The role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking a self-motivated individual for a Research Associate I, Production role to power our high-throughput, automated platform for antibody production and deep molecular characterization.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Perform automated and manual high-throughput processing on the BigHat platform, including DNA preparation, protein expression, and protein characterization.
• Contribute to the scaling up of BigHat’s platform and production-grade data generation.
• Support BigHat’s Platform Reagents & Assay Support (PRAS) function by contributing to in-house reagent manufacturing efforts.
• Execute experiments to optimize the performance efficiency of BigHat’s platform.
• Keep a detailed record of all experiments using BigHat’s documentation tools, and clearly communicate results and challenges.
• Collaborate on the creation of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample processing.
• Collaborate closely with BigHat team members to identify, design, and implement critical process and operational improvements to production workflows and laboratory systems.
• Operate automated liquid handlers and analytical instruments to ensure all lab and platform operations run efficiently.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• BS in Biology or Chemistry, with 1+ year(s) of industry experience
• Experience in process execution, laboratory method development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Ability and willingness to work specific workday schedules as needed, for example 7AM to 3PM or 10AM to 6PM.
• Hands-on experience with, or interest in, automated liquid handlers (e.g. Hamilton, OpenTrons, Tecan, Agilent systems). Experience with LIMS is a nice-to-have.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and general lab practices.
• Efficient time management and ability to work on several projects simultaneously, in a dynamic start-up environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent record-keeping abilities to document experimental work and analytical data.
• Nice-to-haves include previous experience working with barcoding systems, inventory tracking, and experience with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $75,000 - $88,000 + 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.