Research Associate I, Production

BigHat Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences in San Mateo, CA, is seeking a Research Associate I, Production to operate automated and manual high-throughput processes for antibody production and molecular characterization. You will contribute to scaling the platform and data generation, while supporting in-house reagent production and SOP development.

The role requires a BS in Biology or Chemistry with 1+ year of industry experience, hands-on lab skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic startup.

Qualifications

• BS in Biology or Chemistry with 1+ year of industry experience.
• Experience in process execution, laboratory method development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Ability and willingness to work specific workday schedules as needed (e.g., 7AM–3PM or 10AM–6PM).
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handlers (Hamilton, OpenTrons, Tecan, Agilent); LIMS experience is a plus.
• 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 and communication skills within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent record-keeping abilities to document experimental work and data.
• Nice-to-haves: barcoding, inventory tracking, and Google Workspace tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform automated and manual high-throughput processing on the BigHat platform, including DNA preparation, protein expression, and protein characterization.
• Contribute to scaling up BigHat’s platform and production‑grade data generation.
• Support Platform Reagents & Assay Support (PRAS) by contributing to in-house reagent manufacturing.
• Execute experiments to optimize performance efficiency of BigHat’s platform.
• Keep detailed records of all experiments using BigHat’s documentation tools and communicate results clearly.
• Collaborate on creating laboratory SOPs for sample processing.
• Collaborate to identify and implement process and operational improvements to production workflows and lab systems.
• Operate automated liquid handlers and analytical instruments to ensure efficient lab operations.

Skills

Process execution

Laboratory method development

Optimization

Troubleshooting

Flexible schedule

Molecular biology

Lab practices

Time management

Multitasking

Communication

Record-keeping

Inventory tracking

Barcoding

Google Workspace

Education

BS in Biology or Chemistry

Tools

Hamilton

OpenTrons

Tecan

Agilent

LIMS

Job description

Description

• 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.

Department: Lab Science

Location: San Mateo, CA

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.