Scientist I, Display Technologies

BigHat Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Stock options

Benefits

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a curious Scientist 1 for the Display Technologies team in San Mateo, CA. You will contribute to antibody discovery and engineering and help generate high-quality data to improve BigHat’s machine learning models using display technologies.

You will work with senior scientists and cross-functional teams to construct and QC phage display libraries, perform selections, and express/characterize molecules using ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI/SPR.

Qualifications

• Ph.D./M.S. with industry experience as specified.
• Experience with display technologies and antibody biology.
• Strong molecular biology skills (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis).
• Publication record and track record with data analysis are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects advancing display technologies.
• Lead construction and QC of phage display libraries across antibody formats.
• Execute phage display selections to engineer antibodies with desired properties.
• Express, purify, and characterize display-derived molecules using ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI/SPR, CE-SDS.
• Analyze selection results and contribute to future experimental design.
• Collaborate with Data Science and ML teams to inform library design and data interpretation.
• Present plans and results to managers and scientists.
• Maintain thorough records using LIMS and electronic notebooks.

Skills

Display technologies experience

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis & interpretation

Collaborative, team-oriented

Clear written and verbal communication

Experimental design & troubleshooting

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

MS in related field with 6+ years experience

Tools

Phage display libraries

PCR & cloning

ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI/SPR

Job description

Description

Department: Lab Science
Location: San Mateo, CA

The role

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a curious and motivated Scientist 1 to join the Display Technologies team. This individual will contribute to BigHat’s antibody discovery and engineering efforts and help generate high-quality data to improve BigHat’s machine learning models using display technologies, working closely with senior scientists and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects advancing display technologies at BigHat that expands BigHat's antibody discovery capabilities and feed its ML models.
• Lead in the construction and QC of phage display libraries across diverse antibody formats (VHH, scFv, Fab) using standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, electroporation).
• Execute standard phage display selections to engineer antibodies with desired therapeutic properties.
• Express, purify, and characterize display-derived molecules using assays including ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI/SPR, CE-SDS, and others.
• Analyze selection results and contribute to discussions on next steps and future experimental design.
• Collaborate with BigHat’s Data Science and Machine Learning teams to inform library design and interpret selection data for model training.
• Collaborate closely with BigHat leadership and other cross-functional team members to ensure a tight linkage between strategy, research, and development components.
• Present experimental plans and results during regular meetings with manager and science teams.
• Effectively and regularly communicate results to key decision makers, the broader BigHat team, and to external partners.
• Maintain thorough records using LIMS and electronic notebooks.

Skills Knowledge And Expertise

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Engineering, or a related field, with up to 2 years of industry research experience; or an M.S. in a related field with 6+ years of relevant industry research experience.
• Experience with display technologies, including library design and selection strategies.
• Knowledge of antibody biology and protein expression.
• Strength in general molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis).
• Nice-to-haves include experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, or other binding assays, and familiarity with NGS or automation platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to follow protocols carefully, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain detailed lab records.
• Effective time management and clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with an eagerness to learn in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Scientific track record and publication record.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills. Experience working with agentic software tools is a plus.

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $120,000 - $145,000 + 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.