Principal Scientist-Bioanalysis

Future Ventures; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Prellis Biologics, based in Berkeley, CA, seeks a Principal Scientist — Bioanalysis to lead bioanalytical method development and PK/PD support for next‑generation biologics from discovery through preclinical development.

You'll oversee ELISA/LBA, LC‑MS, and HRMS assays, analyze serum samples, and collaborate across DMPK, CMC, Pharmacology, and Protein Engineering to enable candidate progression. Flexible, hands‑on, with mentoring expectations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS in a relevant field with industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with bioanalytical assay development for biologics.
• Experience with ELISA/LBA, LC-MS/MS, LC-HRMS.
• Experience with PK/PD and preclinical studies.
• Strong data interpretation and MS analysis skills.
• Comfort with automation and high-throughput workflows.
• Cross-functional collaboration and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize bioanalytical assays for antibody–peptide conjugates, bispecifics, and Fc-fusion proteins.
• Select format-appropriate LBA and MS approaches for discovery outputs.
• Develop ELISA/LBA and LC-MS/HRMS assays for characterization and quantification.
• Analyze serum/plasma samples from preclinical and in vivo studies.
• Develop assays to distinguish intact conjugates, free antibody/protein, and degradation products.
• Characterize biologic integrity and stability with appropriate analytical approaches.
• Support assay qualification/validation and generate documentation.
• Collaborate with Protein Engineering, CMC, Analytical Development, DMPK, and Pharmacology teams.
• Partner with High Throughput Discovery on early bioanalytical support for leads.
• Support external CROs and vendors.
• Deploy automated workflows on liquid handlers to increase throughput.
• Establish assay/data handoff between HTD and Protein Sciences.

Skills

Bioanalytical assay development

Mass spectrometry

LC-MS/HRMS

ELISA/LBA

PK/PD analysis

Data analysis

Python/R

Education

Ph.D. in Bioanalytical Chemistry / Biochemistry / Biology or related field

Tools

MS instrumentation (e.g., Sciex Triple Quad)

Skyline / Analyst (data analysis)

Automation platforms (Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Biomek)

Job description

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 a Principal Scientist — Bioanalysis to join our Protein Sciences group. You will develop and execute bioanalytical assays that support molecular characterization, PK/PD, and preclinical development of Prellis’s next-generation biologic candidates, including antibody-peptide conjugates, bispecific/multispecific antibodies, and Fc-fusion proteins. You will be responsible for:

• Leading bioanalytical method development: ELISA/LBA, LC-MS, and HRMS assays to characterize, quantify, and profile complex biologic modalities from discovery through biopreclinical.
• Enabling PK/PD and stability programs: analyzing serum/plasma samples, distinguishing intact conjugates from free components and degradation products, and supporting candidate selection with rigorous data.

This role sits at the intersection of Protein Sciences, Analytical Development, DMPK, CMC, and Pharmacology, and will characterize antibodies produced from our discovery platform and enable their transition to preclinical development. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, hands‑on environment and play a critical role in delivering life‑changing therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize bioanalytical assays for antibody‑peptide conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and Fc‑fusion proteins.
• Select format‑appropriate LBA and MS approaches aligned to the antibody formats coming out of Prellis’s discovery platform.
• Develop and execute ELISA/LBA and LC‑MS/HRMS‑based assays for characterization and quantification of biologic molecules.
• Analyze serum/plasma samples from preclinical and in vivo studies to support PK/PD and exposure assessments.
• Develop assays to distinguish intact conjugates, free antibody/protein, free peptide, and degradation products.
• Characterize biologic integrity, stability, and relevant molecular attributes using appropriate analytical and bioanalytical approaches.
• Support assay qualification/validation and generate high‑quality technical documentation.
• Collaborate with Protein Engineering, CMC, Analytical Development, DMPK, and Pharmacology teams to support candidate selection and development.
• Partner closely with the High Throughput Discovery group (Antibody Protein Engineering, Discovery, and Production teams) on early bioanalytical support for lead candidates transitioning from discovery to development.
• Support external CROs and analytical vendors as needed.
• Deploy and scale automated workflows on liquid handlers (Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, or similar) to increase bioanalytical throughput.
• Establish assay and data handoff workflows between High Throughput Discovery and Protein Sciences to enable seamless candidate progression from screening to preclinical characterization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Bioanalytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
  • oScientist level (PhD + 0–3 years relevant industry experience) or Senior Scientist level (PhD + 3–6 years direct relevant industry experience); MS with additional years of relevant industry experience also considered.
• Hands‑on experience with bioanalytical assay development for biologics, antibodies, peptides, or proteins.
• Experience with one or more of ELISA/LBA, LC‑MS/MS, LC‑HRMS, or related bioanalytical technologies.
• Hands‑on experience with mass spectrometry (e.g., Sciex Triple Quad) and ligand‑binding assay platforms (e.g., MSD).
• Experience with PK/PD, serum/plasma bioanalysis, and preclinical studies.
• Strong understanding of protein/antibody characterization and data interpretation.
• Proficiency with data analysis software for MS bioanalytical workflows (e.g., Skyline, Analyst, or comparable).
• Working understanding of upstream antibody discovery workflows sufficient to design bioanalytical methods that match the formats and throughput of a discovery pipeline.
• Keen to grow skillsets and continuously learn new techniques.

Bonus Experience

• Experience with bispecific/multispecific antibodies, antibody conjugates, or Fc‑fusion proteins, including novel modalities such as ADCs, bispecific ADCs, radioconjugates, or protein degraders.
• Familiarity with ICH guidelines, bioanalytical method validation, and regulatory expectations, including GLP / GCP experience or familiarity with regulated bioanalytical environments.
• Experience contributing to IND/CTA or other regulatory submissions is preferred but not required.
• Strong cross‑functional communication and scientific problem‑solving skills.
• Experience bridging discovery and preclinical bioanalysis, enabling format‑specific method transfer and data continuity across teams.
• Experience with automation for bioanalytical workflows (Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Biomek, or robotic sample prep).
• Programming for data analysis (Python, R) or statistical modeling for PK.

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.

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.