Associate Scientist II, Research

Vaxcyte, Inc.; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaxcyte is seeking an energetic and talented individual to support the Research Department in pre-formulation and formulation studies for vaccine candidates, stability studies, and process development to support early-stage projects.

The role involves testing support for assays, working with senior scientists, keeping thorough records in the ELN, and collaborating across Analytical and Research teams. Location: San Carlos, CA; Onsite (minimum 4 days/week).

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of industrial experience in a related field; or MS with 1 year of experience.
• Experience in preparation of buffers and lab reagents.
• Experience in basic biological characterization techniques (pH, Nanodrop, particle size).
• Strong notebook maintenance and data presentation in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-formulation and formulation studies, including stability work.
• Test support for assays: protein concentration, pH, and visual assessments.
• Assist in developing analytical methods for biocharacterization (DSC, CD, SEC).
• Collaborate with senior scientists to support multiple projects in research.
• Maintain accurate records using Vaxcyte’s ELN system.

Skills

Pipetting

Lab notebook

Excel data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Education

BA/BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

MS in related discipline

Tools

ELN system

Excel

Job description

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!

Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance.

WHAT we do is every bit as important as HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:

• RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
• AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
• LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
• MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.

Summary

Vaxcyte is looking for an energetic and talented individual to play a key supporting role in the Research Department.
The successful candidate will be proficient in basic laboratory techniques and be responsible for the support of the senior scientists in the execution of large and complex experimentation. These experiments will primarily take the form of pre-formulation and formulation studies for novel vaccine candidates, stability studies designed to select optimum formulation for tech transfer, process development studies to support projects within research department and troubleshooting studies to remove roadblocks for early-stage pipeline projects.

Essential Functions

• Conducting and coordinating pre-formulation and formulation studies, including bio-characterization studies, excipient screening, short- and long-term stability studies.
• Responsible for testing support for within the team which includes running assays such as protein concentration, pH and visual assessments.
• Support senior scientists in developing analytical methods for biocharacterization of large molecules such as DSC, CD, SEC and other similar techniques.
• Support senior scientists in developing processes to support a wide range of ongoing research projects.
• Being scientifically accurate and keeping excellent written records of experiments undertaken using Vaxcyte’s ELN system.
• This position will report into the Formulation and Process line within the Research Department. Significant partnerships with the Analytical and other research teams will occur, thus ability to work within this collaborative environment is essential.
• This role will require the incumbent to be agile in both thought processes and practical execution. In addition, being scientifically pro-active within the small group will be encouraged.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Organic/Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 2 years of industrial experience; or MS in one of these disciplines with a minimum of 1 year of industrial experience.
• Experience in preparation of buffers and lab reagents required.
• Experience in basic biological characterization techniques preferred, including pH, Nanodrop, biochemical assays and particle size determinations
• Highly efficient and structured work practices including practical laboratory work, notebook upkeep, data generation and presentation to research and wider teams.
• Experience with analytical software like Excel for data entry/maintenance and analysis. An understanding of analytical statistical analysis is also preferred.
• Attention to detail and excellent skills in pipetting and sample preparation
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment on multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Reports to: Staff Scientist, Research

Location: San Carlos, CA

Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy):

Onsite (minimum of 4 days per week onsite)

Compensation

The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

Salary Range: $108,000 - $120,000

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.