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Senior Research Associate-Associate Scientist

Berkeley, CA Contract Antibody Discovery

High-Throughput Antibody Discovery

Function: High Throughput Discovery group

The heart of Prellis Bio’s strategy is the combination of novel, cutting-edge methods in machine learning, biology at scale, and next-gen antibody discovery that address long-standing industry-wide problems in the drug development pipeline. Prellis Biologics uses proprietary technology to 3D print human lymph node organoids, enabling the rapid & diverse discovery of human antibody therapeutic candidates for a range of applications. To drive this forward, we are assembling an incredible team of discovery biologists, computational scientists, and protein scientists who want to make a difference to this important problem.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist — High-Throughput Antibody Discovery to join our dynamic team. You will execute and evolve our state-of-the-art molecular biology, NGS, and end-to-end automation pipelines that fuel antibody discovery. You will be responsible for:

• Executing HTP molecular biology and NGS workflows — plasmid generation, PCR / cloning / mutagenesis, DNA library construction, and single-cell NGS (10x Genomics, CITE-Seq) — to enable antibody discovery.
• Driving automation and platform innovation — developing and scaling end-to-end automation pipelines and contributing to continuous improvement of our discovery workflows.

This role sits within a highly cross-functional High Throughput Discovery group, with significant opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities. The ideal candidate is hands-on, curious, and driven to innovate — thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while playing a critical role in delivering life-changing therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Execute high-throughput molecular biology workflows, including plasmid generation, PCR, cloning, mutagenesis, and DNA library construction, to support antibody discovery.
• Build and run end-to-end automation pipelines on liquid handlers (Biomek, KingFisher, or similar) to scale throughput across molecular biology and genomics workflows.
• Execute high-throughput workflows to probe immune repertoires from diverse discovery sources with single-cell VH-VL molecular recovery, NGS, and single-cell technologies (10x Genomics, CITE-Seq).
• Contribute to technology innovation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of our NGS and molecular discovery platforms.
• Apply antibody repertoire bioinformatics tools to evaluate selection outputs; collaborate with Data Science on data visualization and reporting.
• Maintain accurate ELN documentation and communicate results clearly across teams.
• Interface with external vendors and CROs (e.g., gene synthesis, sequencing services) to support antibody discovery workflows.
• Support cross-functional collaboration across therapeutic programs and technology initiatives.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, or related field with equivalent industry experience: Sr. Research Associate (BS + 3–5 yrs, or MS + 0–2 yrs); Associate Scientist (BS + 5+ yrs, or MS + 2+ yrs).
• Strong molecular biology fundamentals, including PCR, cloning, mutagenesis, plasmid design and generation, and DNA library construction.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers (Biomek, KingFisher, Tecan, or similar), or willingness to become proficient.
• Hands-on experience with sample-to-data NGS workflows on Illumina platforms (NextSeq, MiSeq, NovaSeq, or similar), including single-cell technologies (10x Genomics, CITE-Seq, microfluidic droplets) or comparable techniques.
• Genuine curiosity for innovation and R&D: motivated to develop, troubleshoot, and evolve new workflows.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across teams and functions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Keen to grow skillsets and continuously learn new techniques.

Bonus Experience

• Working knowledge of B cell immunology or antibody biology.
• Programming or method development on automated liquid handlers (Biomek Method Editor, KingFisher scripts, Tecan, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with antibody display or directed-evolution systems (yeast, phage, ribosome, or mammalian display).
• Prior industry experience in an antibody discovery pipeline (screening, selection, or lead identification).
• Working knowledge of flow cytometry cell sorting.
• Familiarity with antibody repertoire bioinformatics tools.

About Prellis Biologics

At Prellis we integrate human biology with machine learning. We aim to revolutionize drug discovery by harnessing the power of the human immune system with tightly integrated machine learning to develop next-generation antibody therapeutics with unparalleled speed, precision, and safety. We are committed to empowering our pharmaceutical partners with access to the most promising fully human antibody candidates rapidly identified from the human immune repertoire, enabling them to bring life-changing treatments to patients faster than ever before. Prellis Biologics is a pre-IPO biotech located in Berkeley, CA with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our growing pipeline targets high unmet patient needs across therapeutic areas including metabolic disease, inflammation, and oncology. Prellis has raised funding from top investors, including Celesta, Khosla Ventures, SOSV, and Avidity Partners.

What You Can Expect Of Us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Application Deadline

Prellis does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Equal Opportunity

Prellis Bio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams — grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences — and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.

Base Salary:

$87,000 - $117,000 per year

Join Our Team

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