Senior Scientist II, Biomolecular Characterization

BigHat; San Mateo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences is seeking a Scientist II or Senior Scientist I for Biomolecular Characterization to drive characterization of in vitro antibody–target binding behavior and to develop new assay capabilities in San Mateo, CA. The role involves working across programs and scaling high-throughput kinetics assays.

The position emphasizes collaboration with automation engineering, software engineering, and production teams, with opportunities to contribute to candidate nomination and project

Qualifications

• PhD with 2–5 years (industry) or MSc with 5+ years in binding assays (BLI, SPR, ELISA/MSD, flow cytometry).
• Strong background in bioanalytical science, biochemistry, and assay design.
• Experience with lab automation and collaboration with automation engineers.
• Excellent data interpretation and written/verbal/visual communication.
• Ability to educate and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and implement high- and low-throughput strategies to characterize antibody–antigen interactions using BLI and SPR.
• Implement best practices for binding assay design across various bioanalytical formats.
• Troubleshoot assay issues and build foundational understanding of antibody–antigen interactions for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with BigHat science organization to accelerate hits from discovery to lead optimization.
• Synthesize and communicate results to key decision makers and the BigHat team.
• Partner with automation, software, and production teams to scale high-throughput kinetics assays.

Skills

Bioanalytical science

Assay design

Data analysis

Lab automation

Science communication

Stakeholder education

Education

PhD with 2-5 years in industry

MSc with 5+ years in industry

Tools

Carterra

Cytiva

Sartorius

Job description

Scientist II, Biomolecular Characterization

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description

The role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking an exceptional individual for a Scientist II or Senior Scientist I in Biomolecular Characterization* role to drive characterization of in vitro antibody-target binding behavior, develop new assay capabilities, and represent the team across BigHat’s programs.

*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

• Develop, optimize, and implement high- and low-throughput state-of-the-art strategies to characterize the interactions between antibody and antigen using biolayer interferometry (BLI) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
• Implement best practices for binding assay design across various bioanalytical assay formats.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose assay issues, building foundational understanding of antibody/antigen interactions that stakeholders can act on.
• Collaborate closely with BigHat’s science organization to accelerate hits from discovery through lead optimization and candidate nomination.
• Effectively synthesize and communicate results and research activity to key decision makers and the broader BigHat team.
• Partner with automation engineering, software engineering, and production teams to scale and productionize high-throughput kinetics assays.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• Ph.D. 2-5 years, or M.Sc with 5+ years of independent research and development experience in an industry setting, including substantial experience with binding assays including BLI, SPR, ELISA/MSD and Flow Cytometry workflows (preferably across Carterra, Cytiva and Sartorius instrumentation).
• Practical and theoretical fluency in bioanalytical science, biochemistry, biophysics, assay design and development (experience in both complex and buffered matrices preferred).
• Experience with lab automation and working with automation engineers (preferred).
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills coupled to exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Ability to educate and build consensus among diverse stakeholders regarding scientific direction.

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.