Senior Scientist I, Antibody Engineering

Department: Lab Science

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description The role: BigHat Biosciences is seeking an exceptional individual for a Senior Scientist I role on the antibody engineering & binder generation team to serve as a program team lead of therapeutic programs with external and internal partners, driving antibody discovery, design, optimization, and characterization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional project teams (including Data Science, AI/ML, Engineering, Protein Sciences, Automation) on the execution of rapid, iterative multi-objective optimization to identify high-value therapeutic antibodies through gold-standard assays.
• Deeply understand target biology to better design antibodies that meet our candidate profile.
• Contribute expertise in antibody engineering approaches (including humanization, liability remediation, affinity tuning, format engineering, etc) to generate and optimize novel antibodies that meet design requirements.
• Collaborate closely with BigHat leadership and other cross-functional team members to ensure a tight linkage between strategy, research, and development components.
• Lead in-depth data analysis of each design cycle to better leverage experimental and computational approaches to reach our design goals.
• Effectively and regularly communicate results to key decision makers, the broader BigHat team, and to external partners.

Skills Knowledge And Expertise

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, protein engineering, or related fields.
• 5+ years of advanced research experience in an industry setting.
• Hands-on protein engineering expertise, including structure-guided design, affinity maturation, stability/developability optimization, and rational or computational approaches to antibody engineering.
• Experience working with diverse antibody formats such as complex multispecifics, T-cell engagers, antibody fragments, antibody-drug conjugates, etc.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture, immunoassay, molecular techniques, cell-based assays, protein expression and characterization (e.g., kinetics, SEC).
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Experience presenting and communicating strategy and results to internal and external partners.
• 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 $160,000 - $185,000 + 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.