Senior Research Associate, Discovery Medicine
BigHat Biosciences
San Mateo, CA, USA
USD 100k-115k / year + Equity
Posted on Jun 2, 2026
The role: BigHat Bioscience is looking for a motivated and energetic Senior Research Associate* with a strong background in Immunology, cell culture, flow cytometry and primary cell-based assays to support the characterization of our lead therapeutic candidates.
*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.
- Department
- Discovery Medicine
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- San Mateo, CA
- Workplace type
- Onsite
Key Responsibilities
- Drive the development of therapeutics by owning the functional characterization of therapeutic candidates.
- Plan, execute, and analyze TDCC, T cell activation, cytokine release, FACS, ELISA, ADCC, and other relevant functional assays.
- Perform isolation and culture of primary immune cells from blood or tissue.
- Inform program plans based upon experimental results and make. relevant recommendations for program conceptualization and advancement.
- Keep detailed and organized records of experimental protocols and results.
- Proactively and independently interpret and present scientific findings.
- Collaborate and communicate across a diverse research team to successfully progress scientific goals.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
- B.Sc. degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or a related field, with at least 3 years of relevant experience, including 1 year in industry.
- Hands-on proficiency in standard immunology and cell biology techniques such as mammalian cell culture and multicolor flow cytometry.
- Previous experience with automation and high-throughput assays desired.
- Scientific curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
- A strong can-do mentality and desire to thrive in a dynamic start-up environment.
- The ability to communicate clearly and build open collaborative relationships.
Total Rewards
The salary estimated for this position is $100,000 - $115,000 + 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:
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 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 1:
Applied
Stage 2:
Initial Conversation | Head of Talent
Stage 3:
Initial Conversation | Hiring Manager
Stage 4:
1st Technical Screen
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