Scientist I (Contract), Analytical Development

Vaxcyte; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 85,411 - 93,676; Full time

Job summary

Vaxcyte, located in San Carlos, CA, is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join their analytical development team. This role focuses on advancing complex vaccines through innovative analytical techniques and method development in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD, MS, or Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline and significant experience in analytical development, particularly with HPLC methods. Vaxcyte is committed to ensuring employee growth and excellence through core values that emphasize innovation and teamwork.

Qualifications

• PhD with 1–2 years, MS with 5+ years, or BS with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in HPLC method development and optimization.
• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments for analytical characterization.
• Develop and optimize HPLC-based separation methods.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets.

Skills

HPLC method development

Chromatographic principles

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Education

PhD, MS or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

NMR spectroscopy

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:

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our analytical development team. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing complex vaccines by applying cutting‑edge analytical techniques. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of method development, contribute to impactful projects, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced, science‑driven environment. The ideal candidate will embody and uphold our core values of rethinking convention, aiming high, leading with heart, and modeling excellence in all aspects of their work.

Essential Functions:

• Independently design and execute experiments to support analytical characterization of proteins, drug substances, and conjugates.
• Develop and optimize HPLC-based separation methods (e.g., AEX, SEC, SEC‑MALS) to address complex analytical challenges.
• Design and implement mass spectrometry-based workflows for detailed molecular characterization.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and drive solutions forward.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records using an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to support project goals and deliver high‑quality analytical data.
• Communicate findings clearly through presentations and discussions, contributing to team learning and decision‑making.

Requirements:

• PhD, MS or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. PhD with 1–2 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.
• Proven experience in HPLC method development and optimization, particularly AEX, SEC, and SEC‑MALS.
• Strong understanding of chromatographic principles and their application to biomolecular analysis.

Working knowledge or experience with NMR spectroscopy is highly desirable.

Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS, including peptide mapping and intact mass analysis.

Familiarity with mass spectrometry platforms such as Orbitrap, Q‑TOF, or triple quadrupole.

Strong analytical thinking skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex problems independently.

Detail‑oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills.

Effective communicator and collaborative team player.

Eager to learn, adaptable, and excited to contribute to a dynamic and innovative environment.

Reports to: Staff Scientist, Analytical Development

Location: San Carlos, CA

Expected Contract Length: 12 Months

Hourly Range: $62/hr. - $68/hr.

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.