Associate Scientist, Advanced Characterization

About OmniAb

OmniAb provides our pharmaceutical industry partners access to the most diverse antibody repertoires and cutting-edge screening technologies to enable discovery of next-generation therapeutics. We leverage our state-of-the-art technologies to facilitate the discovery of best-in-class antibodies. Within OmniAb are also core capabilities for the discovery and screening of high-value ion channels and transporter targets.

OmniAb consists of dynamic, collaborative, and innovative team members that are passionate about contributing to the technological frontier of drug discovery and to the advancement of global human health. Together, with our partners, we are enabling the discovery of next-generation therapeutics.

About This Role

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to design, execute, and analyze label-free biosensor assays that characterize antibodies and peptides from OmniAb’s proprietary human-sequence immune repertoires generated in a transgenic chicken host. As part of the Advanced Characterization Team, this scientist will use high-throughput SPR and BLI platforms to generate high-quality binding kinetics, affinity, and epitope binning data. The role will collaborate with Screening, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Bioassays teams to support partner and internal decisions and prioritize clones for advancement. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in protein sciences, biochemistry, or molecular biophysics, and hands-on experience with SPR, BLI, or other biophysical interaction analysis techniques.

This position reports to the SVP, Exploratory Research.

This role is based out of our Emeryville headquarters and will not require any travel. This is a full-time position, and the office hours are within 8am-5pm PT.

What You’ll Do

• Independently design, execute, and analyze SPR- and BLI-based assays to characterize antibody and peptide interactions with target proteins, across multiple projects.
• Develop and optimize kinetic and epitope binning assays to support clone selection.
• Collaborate with antibody discovery teams to interpret binding data and inform selection decisions.
• Contribute to project planning, experimental design, and troubleshooting with minimal supervision.
• Maintain high-quality documentation, including protocols, SOPs, and experimental reports.
• Present findings in internal meetings and contribute to scientific presentations, posters, and publications.
• Participate in proof-of-concept studies involving cutting-edge technologies in antibody discovery and characterization.
• Perform QC assays, such as SDS-PAGE and analytical SEC, to qualify antigens for use in immunization and screening; perform preparative SEC as needed to purify proteins for biosensor assays.
• Other duties as required.

What You Bring

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or related field with 0+ years of experience.
  • Alternatively, MSc in a relevant field with 7+ years of experience or a BSc in a relevant field and 10+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in protein biochemistry and biomolecular interaction analysis.
• Familiarity with dose-dependent binding assays, including their use in determining binding affinity and interpreting affinity versus avidity.
• Solid understanding of the Langmuir 1:1 binding model as a foundation for designing and analyzing kinetic assays.
• Proficiency in the practical aspects of SPR (e.g., Biacore, Carterra) and/or BLI (e.g., Octet) platforms.
• Experience with data visualization and interpretation to guide experimental decisions.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to summarize main findings effectively to non-specialist audiences, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Nice to Have

• Basic wet lab skills relevant to protein purification and QC (aSEC, SDS-PAGE, etc.).
• Experience with ITC, FRET, stopped-flow fluorescence, or enzyme kinetics.
• Structural biology background.
• Prior contributions to scientific publications or patents.

Our total rewards package includes an annual base compensation, target bonus, equity, refresh grants, ESPP, comprehensive health plans, immediate 401k matching, PTO, sick leave, paid parental leave, commuter benefits, wellness stipend, education reimbursement and more!

The base compensation range for this position is 121,892 to 135,435 annually. The range provided is an estimate. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education, location, and other factors permitted by law.

At OmniAb, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone. We welcome a variety of experiences, skills, and perspectives within our organization and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we will consider all qualified applicants based on merit and business need. We do not discriminate due to any non-merit-based factors or legally protected classes under federal, state, or local law.