The Role
Supports antibody discovery and engineering through phage display library construction, quality control, selections, molecular characterization, and data analysis. The role collaborates with machine learning and data science teams to improve antibody models, communicates experimental findings, maintains detailed laboratory records, and contributes to research strategy and experimental design.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
About
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 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.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Engineering, or a related field, with up to 2 years of industry research experience
- Alternatively, an M.S. in a related field with 6 or more years of relevant industry research experience
- Experience with display technologies, including library design and selection strategies
- Knowledge of antibody biology and protein expression
- Experience with PCR, molecular cloning, and gel electrophoresis
- Ability to follow protocols, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain detailed laboratory records
- Effective time management and clear written and verbal communication skills
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced startup environment
- Scientific track record and publication record
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
- Experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, or other binding assays
- Familiarity with NGS or automation platforms
- Experience working with agentic software tools
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The Company
What We Do
BigHat’s mission is to improve human health by making it far easier to design advanced, next-generation antibody therapeutics. Our AI-enabled experimental platform integrates a high-speed characterization or “wet” lab with machine learning technologies to speed the antibody engineering process. When applied, these design capabilities have the potential to drive the development of new generations of safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from today’s most challenging diseases. BigHat is backed by Section 32, Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, Amgen Ventures, Bristol Myers Squibb, Quadrille, Grids Capital, AME Cloud Ventures, Innovation Endeavors and Gaingels.
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