Scientist II, Developability

Department: Lab Science

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description 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