Research Associate , PRAS

Research Associate I, Platform Reagents & Assay Support

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 I, Platform Reagents & Assay Support (PRAS), role to power our in-house reagent manufacturing and QC efforts supporting our Milliner platform.

• Execute automated and manual high-throughput reagent manufacturing and QC workflows to support data generation across Big Hat’s production assay suite.
• Keep detailed records of all reagent lot manufacturing and QC events using Big Hat’s documentation tools, and clearly communicate results and challenges.
• Contribute to reagent lot performance monitoring, and assist with troubleshooting efforts as needed.
• Collaborate on the creation of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for reagent manufacturing and QC.
• Collaborate closely with Big Hat team members to identify, design, and implement critical process and operational improvements to workflows and laboratory systems.
• Operate automated liquid handlers and analytical instruments to ensure all lab and platform operations run efficiently.

• BS in Biology or Chemistry, with 1+ year(s) of industry experience.
• Experience in reagent manufacturing and quality control, process execution, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with, or interest in, automated liquid handlers (e.g. Hamilton, Open Trons, Tecan, Agilent systems). Experience with LIMS is a nice-to-have.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and general lab practices.
• Efficient time management and ability to work on several projects simultaneously, in a dynamic start-up environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent record keeping abilities to document experimental work and analytical data.
• Nice-to-haves include previous experience working with barcoding systems and automated tube/plate labelers, inventory tracking, and experience with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

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