Research Associate , CFPS Production

Research Associate I, CFPS Production

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

The role: Big Hat Biosciences is seeking a self‑motivated individual for a Research Associate, CFPS Production role to manufacture, validate and execute experiments to develop cell‑free protein synthesis (CFPS) reagents for Big Hat’s high‑throughput, automated platform for producing and characterizing antibodies.

• Manufacture and validate CFPS reagents used in Big Hat’s high‑throughput antibody screening platform including making buffers, media for biomass production and performing QC experiments on reagents.
• Maintain CFPS reagent manufacturing equipment including incubators, centrifuges, and homogenizers.
• Coordinate with lab ops team to request/order supplies for CFPS reagent manufacturing to ensure reliable stock for platform.
• Design and run experiments for development of next generation CFPS extract to optimize yield and purity of next generation antibodies on our platform.
• Keep a detailed record of all experiments using Big Hat’s documentation tools, and clearly communicate results and challenges.
• Present experimental plans and results during regular meetings with manager and science teams.

• B.S. degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with 1-2 years of industry experience.
• Experience working with recombinant protein expression from bacterial cultures. Experience with CFPS is highly desired but not required.
• Experience with molecular cloning techniques including primer design, PCR, mutagenesis, Golden Gate Assembly.
• Preferred:
  Experience and knowledge of protein purification methods including affinity chromatography and SEC.
• Excellent communication skills; organized and works well in small groups.
• Experience with quantitative and/or statistical analysis software is a plus (e.g. Excel, Graph Pad Prism, Python, R, etc.)
• Experience with automation and high‑throughput tools and robotic instrumentation is a plus.

The salary estimated for this position is $75,000 - $88,000 + 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 Big Hat 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, One Medical, Wagmo, Rula, and more
• 401(k) with company match
• DTO, two weeks of company‑wide shutdown, and 12 company holidays
• Paid parental leave