Principal Associate Scientist-Scientist High Throughput Screening

Future Ventures; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Prellis Biologics is seeking a Principal Associate Scientist / Scientist for the High Throughput Discovery group in Berkeley, CA. You will apply end‑to‑end primary screening using ELISA and cell‑based assays to identify lead antibody candidates from immunization campaigns.

The role involves scalable HTS workflows, collaboration with Antibody Protein Engineering, Discovery, Production, and Data Science/AI/ML teams, and rigorous data quality control in a fast‑moving environment.

Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience developing primary screens using ELISA and cell‑based assays (iQue).
• Experience isolating/enriching B cells or plasma cells and operating a FACS sorter.
• Proficiency in cloning, PCR, mammalian cell culture, and transient transfection.

Responsibilities

• Isolate and enrich B cells and plasma cells from immunization campaigns; identify antigen‑specific B cells.
• Develop, execute, and optimize primary screens (ELISA and cell‑based assays) in mammalian cells.
• Scale high‑throughput screening strategies for antibody discovery.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance discovery capabilities.
• Develop automated workflows to ensure data quality and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to analyze screening data.
• Manage multiple projects and deliver high‑quality results on schedule.
• Maintain accurate ELN documentation and communicate results clearly.

Skills

Primary cell screening

FACS operation

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology (cloning, PCR)

Data analysis (GraphPad Prism, Excel)

Python/R familiarity

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

BSc/MSc in related field

PhD in Immunology/related field

Tools

10x Genomics

microfluidics

iQue

Sony MA900

Job description

About the job

The heart of Prellis Bio’s strategy is the combination of novel, cutting‑edge methods in machine learning, biology at scale, and next‑gen antibody discovery that address long‑standing industry‑wide problems in the drug development pipeline. Prellis Biologics uses proprietary technology to 3D print human lymph node organoids, enabling the rapid & diverse discovery of human antibody therapeutic candidates for a range of applications. Our growing pipeline spans obesity, inflammation and immunology (I&I), and oncology. To drive this forward, we are assembling an incredible team of discovery biologists, computational scientists, and protein scientists who want to make a difference to this important problem.

Position Summary

We are seeking aPrincipal Associate Scientist / Scientist — High-Throughput Screening to join our High Throughput Discovery group. You will apply high-throughput platforms to identify lead antibody candidates earlier and faster from immunization campaigns. You will be responsible for:

• Running end-to-end primary cell screening: isolating B cells and plasma cells from immunization campaigns and leveraging single‑cell platforms (such as 10x Genomics and microfluidics) to identify antigen‑specific B cells.
• Developing and executing primary supernatant screens: ELISA and cell‑based assays to characterize antibodies expressed by mammalian cells in secretion.

This role sits within a highly cross‑functional High Throughput Discovery group, with significant opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, hands‑on environment and play a critical role in delivering life‑changing therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Isolate and enrich B cells and plasma cells from immunization campaigns, and leverage single‑cell platforms (such as 10x Genomics and microfluidics) to identify antigen‑specific B cells.
• Develop, execute, and optimize primary screens (ELISA and cell‑based assays on iQue) to characterize antibodies expressed by mammalian cells in secretion.
• Scale high‑throughput screening strategies for binder discovery from Prellis’s discovery platforms.
• Evaluate and pilot emerging technologies and experimental workflows to enhance discovery capabilities.
• Develop and optimize automated workflows to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and process efficiency.
• Partner with Antibody Protein Engineering, Discovery, Production, and Data Science / AI/ML teams to analyze, interpret, and share insights from screening data.
• Independently manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of high‑quality data and adherence to team goals.
• Maintain accurate ELN documentation and communicate results clearly across internal and external scientific audiences.

Qualifications

• Principal Associate Scientist level: BSc/MSc in a related field with 4+ years of direct relevant industry experience. Level can be adjusted based on experience.
• Scientist level: PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Functional Genomics, or related field (postdoctoral or industry experience welcome).
• Hands‑on experience developing primary screens using ELISA and on‑cell or cell‑based assays (iQue or comparable).
• Experience isolating and enriching B cells or plasma cells, including hands‑on operation of a FACS sorter (Sony MA900 preferred, or comparable).
• Strong competence handling primary cells (primary lymphocytes, PBMCs, or comparable), including aseptic technique, viability management, and downstream sample handling.
• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR), mammalian cell culture, and transient transfection.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot complex experimental issues independently.
• Ability to analyze experimental data using standard visualization and statistical tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Excel, or comparable); familiarity with R or Python is a plus but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present scientific findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Enthusiastic team player, effective across interdisciplinary teams.

Bonus Experience

• Background in B cell immunology or antibody biology.
• Experience with high‑throughput antibody display technologies (e.g. mammalian display).
• Experience with microfluidics‑based single‑cell screening platforms.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms (Biomek, Hamilton, Tecan, or comparable).

About Prellis Biologics

At Prellis we integrate human biology with machine learning. We aim to revolutionize drug discovery by harnessing the power of the human immune system with tightly integrated machine learning to develop next‑generation antibody therapeutics with unparalleled speed, precision, and safety. We are committed to empowering our pharmaceutical partners with access to the most promising fully human antibody candidates rapidly identified from the human immune repertoire, enabling them to bring life‑changing treatments to patients faster than ever before. Prellis Biologics is a pre‑IPO biotech located in Berkeley, CA with a team‑oriented, inclusive, and family‑friendly culture. Our growing pipeline targets high unmet patient needs across therapeutic areas including metabolic disease, inflammation, and oncology. Prellis has raised funding from top investors, including Celesta, Khosla Ventures, SOSV, and Avidity Partners.

What You Can Expect Of Us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well‑being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

In addition to the base salary, Prellis offers compelling benefits based on eligibility, comprising health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save toward retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

• A competitive employee benefits package, including group medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan
• Stock‑based long‑term incentives
• Holiday package including a 1+ week winter shutdown
• Flexible work models, including remote and hybrid working arrangements, where possible

Application Deadline

Prellis does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Equal Opportunity

Prellis Bio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams, grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences, and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth‑oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.