Scientist I, Display Technologies

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Stock options

Benefits package

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences seeks a Scientist I to join the Display Technologies team in a full-time capacity at San Mateo. You will contribute to antibody discovery and engineering, generating high-quality data to improve ML models using display technologies, working with senior scientists and cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong molecular biology skills, knowledge of display platforms, and a collaborative startup mindset to drive experiments from design to data-driven conclusions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Engineering, or related field; up to 2 years industry research; or MS with 6+ years industry experience.
• Experience with display technologies, including library design and selection strategies.
• Knowledge of antibody biology and protein expression.
• Strong molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis).
• Good documentation, ability to troubleshoot, and maintain detailed lab records.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects advancing display technologies and feed ML models.
• Lead construction and QC of phage display libraries for various 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 help plan future experiments.
• Collaborate with Data Science to design libraries and interpret data for models.
• Coordinate with leadership to align strategy, research, and development.
• Present plans and results in regular team meetings.
• Communicate results to key decision makers and external partners.

Skills

Display technologies experience

Antibody biology knowledge

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Clear written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Publication record

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Structural Biology/Protein Engineering

M.S. in a related field with 6+ years industry experience

Tools

LIMS

Phage display/library design

BLI/SPR

NGS platforms familiarity

Job description

Scientist I, Display Technologies

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description

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.