Scientist I, Analytical Development

Vaxcyte, Inc; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Equity component

Job summary

Vaxcyte, Inc is seeking a Scientist I, Analytical Development to execute analytical testing and contribute to method development for biologics/vaccine programs. This role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data interpretation, and clear documentation.

You will design experiments, transfer methods, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliant lab practices and timely delivery of results. Onsite five days per week; compensation includes benefits and equity.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS or BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with LC-HPLC/UPLC and/or LC-MS, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, enzyme kinetics, colorimetric and fluorescent plate-based assays, ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR.
• Experience driving method development or optimization.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry/biochemistry principles for assay development and control strategies.
• Ability to troubleshoot non-routine assay and instrument issues using root-cause analysis and data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency with analytical software, data processing workflows, and statistical tools.
• Clear written and verbal communication; ability to summarize complex data and collaborate across functions.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and lift up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for method development and transfer, with documentation.
• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using HPLC/UPLC, SEC, CE, UV-Vis, ELISA, and related techniques.
• Process data, summarize results and escalate complex findings for decision-making.
• Maintain lab notebooks and communicate results to project stakeholders.
• Support instrument maintenance, inventory management, and safety/compliance activities.

Skills

LC/LC-MS

HPLC/UPLC

CE

SDS-PAGE

ELISA

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmaceutical Sciences (or related)

MS in Chemistry/Related field

BS in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from bacterial diseases. The Scientist I, Analytical Development, is responsible for executing analytical testing and contributing to analytical method development activities for biologics/vaccine development programs. This role performs routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques, supports method optimization and troubleshooting efforts, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives with moderate supervision while partnering effectively with cross-functional teams. The position requires hands-on laboratory experience, strong technical execution, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently plan and execute assigned work, analyze and interpret data, and escalate and/or drive investigations as needed. This role authors and maintains clear technical documentation, including method protocols, method development summaries, and SOPs, and communicates experimental results and conclusions to internal stakeholders.

Essential Functions

Method Development & Troubleshooting

• Contribute to method development, optimization, and qualification/validation readiness activities.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate critical method parameters and define appropriate system suitability and control strategies.
• Troubleshoot assay and instrument performance issues using a structured approach; interpret data to identify likely root causes, implement corrective actions, and document outcomes and recommendations.
• Support and/or execute method transfer activities, including protocol preparation, training support, execution at receiving labs, and resolution of transfer issues.
• Author and revise analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports; ensure clear documentation of experimental rationale, results, and conclusions for internal review and stakeholder communication.
• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams to define analytical plans, meet project timelines, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Communicate experimental progress and data interpretation to direct team members and project leads; flag emerging risks for senior review.
• Contribute to a compliant, safety-focused, and scientifically rigorous lab culture, model good documentation practices and data integrity expectations.
• May assist in orienting new team members to assays and workflows under the direction of senior staff.

Analytical Testing & Data Generation

• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using modern analytical methods (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, SEC, CE, UV-Vis, ELISA, electrophoresis, plate-based assays, and other biochemical/biophysical techniques).
• Execute assays in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, and applicable quality standards (GLP/GMP as applicable); identify and troubleshoot common issues.
• Perform data processing and interpretation; summarize results, trends, and potential risks, and escalate complex findings for review and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems; contribute to clear technical communications to project and cross-functional stakeholders.

Laboratory Operations & Instrumentation

• Support routine instrument maintenance scheduling and vendor coordination as directed.
• Ensure laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliant material labeling/storage practices.
• Manage inventory of reagents, standards, and consumables; initiate procurement, track critical supplies, and support forecasting to avoid stockouts.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) policies and laboratory safety practices.
• Handle chemicals and biological materials safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper waste disposal and adherence to hazardous material handling procedures.
• Support audit and inspection readiness activities where applicable.

Requirements

PhD, MS or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. PhD with 0-2 years; MS with 5+ years; BS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

• Strong hands-on experience with multiple analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography (H/UPLC) and/or mass spectrometry (LC-MS), CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, enzyme kinetics, colorimetric and fluorescent plate-based assays, ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR.
• Experience independently driving method development or optimization activities preferred.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry/biochemistry principles with demonstrated application to assay development and control strategies.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot non-routine assay and instrument issues using structured root-cause analysis and data-driven decision making.
• Proficient with analytical software, data processing workflows, and statistical tools.
• Strong scientific judgment and attention to detail consistently produces high-quality, inspection-ready documentation.
• Plan and prioritize work, coordinate with management and the lab team, and support meeting tight timelines.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication; able to summarize complex data, present recommendations, and collaborate across functions.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused laboratory culture.

Reports to: Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

Work Arrangement: Onsite (5 days per week onsite)

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

Salary Range: $129,000 – $151,000

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.