Scientist II, Developability

BigHat; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

BigHat in San Mateo, CA is seeking a Scientist II for hands-on roles in antibody developability assessments aimed at enhancing their Milliner Platform for AI-designed therapeutics. The position is primarily lab-based, focusing on executing and innovating on developability workflows.

Candidates with a PhD in Biochemistry and relevant industry experience are encouraged to apply. The role offers a competitive salary of $145,000 - $165,000, along with bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industry experience in biochemistry or relevant discipline.
• Background in biophysical and analytical characterization of antibodies.
• Experience with method development and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead developability R&D projects and assays.
• Drive assessments across programs with data interpretation.
• Support late-stage characterization and IND-enabling studies.
• Serve as the Developability lead within project teams.
• Work cross-functionally on new methods and QC frameworks.
• Analyze data and propose next steps.

Skills

Biophysical characterization

Analytical characterization of antibodies

Data interpretation

Protein structures

Automation familiarity

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or relevant discipline

Job description

Scientist II, Developability

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description

BigHat Biosciences is looking for a hands‑on, bench-driven scientist to drive antibody developability assessments that advance our Milliner Platform for AI-designed therapeutics. This is a primarily lab-based role where you'll spend the majority of your time at the bench executing and innovating on our developability workflows.

*At BigHat we believe in titles that commensurate with skill set, relative organizational impact, and value contribution; more experienced candidates are encouraged to apply, with the understanding that responsibilities and title would adjust as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead developability R&D projects: design, optimize, and execute high throughput developability assays to expand BigHat’s toolkit.
• Drive developability assessments (purity, stability, tolerability, biophysical properties) across programs, with strong attention to data interpretation and organization.
• Support late-stage characterization and IND-enabling studies, including formulation screening, stress testing, peptide mapping, and simulated administration studies, to rank and advance lead candidates.
• Serve as the Developability lead within project teams, guiding experimental strategy to address liabilities and hit program milestones.
• Work cross-functionally to automate and train colleagues on new and existing methods, build QC frameworks for monitoring assay performance, and adapt workflows to existing LIMS infrastructure.
• Proactively and independently analyze data, interpret scientific findings, propose next steps, and broadcast findings clearly across the organization.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• PhD in Biochemistry or relevant discipline with 3+ year(s) of industry experience; exceptional non-PhD candidates with deep bench experience will be considered.
• Strong background in biophysical and analytical characterization of antibodies and antibody fragments: SEC, HIC, CE-SDS, DLS, DSF, ELISA, LC‑MS, including method development and optimization.
• Track record of translating complex data into clear results and recommended actions.
• Experience with protein structures and antibody engineering.
• Enthusiastic about learning and onboarding new technologies to expand capabilities and improve work quality, timelines, throughput or cost.
• Nice-to-haves include prior experience working in a dynamic start-up environment, working as a project lead, and working with automation.

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $145,000 - $165,000 + 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.

What BigHat Offers:

• Range of health insurance plan options through Anthem and Kaiser (monthly credit if benefit waived)
• Dental, and vision coverage through Guardian
• Additional well-being benefits through Nayya, OneMedical, Wagmo, Rula, and more
• 401(k) with company match
• DTO, two weeks of company-wide shutdown, and 12 company holidays
• Paid parental leave