Scientist II, Developability

The Role

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

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 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 8:

Offer (Pending References)

Stage 9:

References

Stage 10:

Hired

Stage 1:

Applied

Stage 2:

Initial Recruiter Screen

Stage 3:

Initial Conversation | Head of Talent

Stage 4:

Initial Conversation | Hiring Manager

Stage 5:

1st Technical Screen

Stage 6:

2nd Technical Screen

Stage 7:

Full Panel Interview