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 who will be responsible for the design, execution, and analysis of label-free biosensor interaction assays to characterize antibodies derived from our proprietary, naturally optimized human-sequence immune repertoires in chicken host platforms. The Advanced Characterization Team focuses on measuring binding interactions using high-throughput label-free technologies, including SPR and BLI platforms. This individual will collaborate with the Molecular Biology, Screening, Bioassays, and Bioinformatics teams to provide binding data (such as high-throughput kinetics, affinity, and epitope mapping and epitope binning) across multiple projects. 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 require up to 5% domestic and international 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 biosensor assays to characterize biomolecular interactions, such as those between antibody and antigen.
• Develop and optimize kinetic and epitope binning assays to support antibody discovery and characterization.
• Collaborate with computational biology and structural modeling teams to interpret binding data and inform antibody selection.
• 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.
• 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.
• Proficiency in SPR (e.g., Biacore, Carterra) and/or BLI (e.g., Octet) platforms.
• Strong understanding of kinetic analysis, epitope binning, and protein-protein interactions.
• 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 and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with machine learning applications in antibody discovery.
• 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 $117,000 to $130,000 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.