Associate Scientist II, Research

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

Job summary

Vaxcyte in San Carlos, CA, is seeking an energetic lab professional to support senior scientists in pre-formulation and formulation studies for novel vaccine candidates. The role focuses on stability studies, process development, and troubleshooting for early-stage projects.

The candidate will test assays such as protein concentration, pH, and visual assessments, while developing analytic methods for biocharacterization of large molecules and maintaining meticulous ELN records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a pharmaceutical/biochemical field with industry experience.
• MS with 1 year in industry acceptable.
• Experience preparing buffers and lab reagents required.
• Proficiency with basic biological characterization techniques preferred.
• Strong organizational and notebook-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-formulation and formulation studies including bio-characterization and stability tests.
• Provide testing support (protein concentration, pH, visual assessments).
• Assist in developing analytical methods for biocharacterization of large molecules (DSC, CD, SEC).
• Support process development for multiple projects within the research group.
• Maintain accurate records in Vaxcyte’s ELN system.
• Collaborate with Analytical and other research teams in a cross-functional setting.
• Be proactive in thought and practical execution within a small team.

Skills

Pipetting accuracy

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Notebook/documentation

Lab techniques (formulation/pre-form

Education

BA/BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

MS in related field with 1 year industrial experience

Tools

Excel

ELN system

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.