Senior Scientist I/II, Biomolecular Characterization
BigHat Biosciences
San Mateo, CA, USA
USD 187k-237k / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 14, 2025
The Role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking an exceptional individual for a Senior Scientist I/II, Biomolecular Characterization* role to drive characterization of in vitro antibody-target binding behavior.
*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
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- San Mateo, CA
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $187,000 - $237,000 / year
- Reporting To
- Sayantan Mitra
Key Responsibilities
- Individual contribution at the bench with strong cross-functional collaboration with scientists, ML/DS, and program teams.
- 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).
- Design and perform epitope binning assays to cluster antibodies into functional families.
- Source, develop, and validate competitive binding/blocking assays to triage candidate antibodies.
- Collaborate closely across with BigHat 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, as well as to external partners.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
- M.Sc/Ph.D. in molecular or cell biology, immunology, or related fields.
- 5+ years of advanced, independent research experience in an industry setting, including substantial experience with the Octet BLI and/or Biacore platforms.
- Practical and theoretical fluency with using various BLI sensor types for the determination of antibody-antigen binding kinetics and epitope binning.
- Deep technical knowledge regarding chip chemistries and characteristics for SPR measurements.
- Experience measuring binding interactions with recombinant soluble, transmembrane, and cell based antigens and a variety of antibody formats.
- Experience managing teams or demonstrated mentorship of junior scientists strongly preferred.
- Ability to manage and prioritize requests from cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
- Ability to educate and build consensus among diverse stakeholders regarding scientific direction.
- Experience with lab automation is a plus.
Total Rewards
The salary estimated for this position is $187,000 - $237,000 + 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:
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
About BigHat Biosciences
BigHat Biosciences designs safer, more effective biologic therapies for patients using machine learning and synthetic biology.
BigHat integrates a wet lab for high-speed characterization with machine learning technologies to guide the search for better antibodies. We apply these design capabilities to develop new generations of safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from today’s most challenging diseases.
BigHat integrates a wet lab for high-speed characterization with machine learning technologies to guide the search for better antibodies. We apply these design capabilities to develop new generations of safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from today’s most challenging diseases.
BigHat is a Series B biotech outside San Francisco with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our broad pipeline of wholly-owned and partnered therapeutic programs span many disparate indications with high unmet need, such as cancer, inflammation, and infectious disease. BigHat has raised >$100M from top investors, including Section 32, a16z, and 8VC.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Applied
Stage 2:
Initial Conversation | Head of Talent
Stage 3:
Initial Conversation | Hiring Manager
Stage 4:
1st Technical Screen
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