Scientist II (Contract), Analytical Development

Vaxcyte; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 200,579,000 - 217,771,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaxcyte is seeking an energetic Analytical Development professional to support ongoing laboratory development activities, method development, optimization, and transfer. The role focuses on generating robust data, troubleshooting assays, and ensuring compliant documentation within a fast-paced environment.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to define analytical plans, interpret data, and communicate results.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS with extensive analytical development experience in QC or related field.
• Hands-on experience with UV-Vis, HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, LC, kinetics, ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR.
• Ability to independently drive method development or optimization.
• Strong analytical chemistry/biochemistry knowledge with data-driven control strategies.
• Proven root-cause analysis and data-driven problem solving.
• Proficiency with data processing software and statistics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to summarize complex data.
• Able to work in a lab for extended periods; ability to lift up to 25 lbs; PPE.
• Experience documenting inspection-ready data.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate method parameters and system suitability.
• Troubleshoot assay and instrument issues; identify root causes and implement actions.
• Support method transfer activities including protocols and training.
• Maintain inventory of reagents and consumables; assist forecasting to avoid stockouts.
• Author and revise analytical methods, SOPs, and reports with clear justification.
• Coordinate routine instrument maintenance and vendor liaison.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project timelines.
• Ensure GLP/GMP compliance where applicable.

Skills

Analytical development

Troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Documentation

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Lab safety

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/related

MS in Chemistry/related

BS in Chemistry/related

Tools

HPLC

CE

UV-Vis

SDS-PAGE

icIEF

ELISA

Western Blot

PCR

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 join our Analytical Development team. Primary responsibility for the incumbent will be to support the developmental activities currently ongoing in the laboratory as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• 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.
• Support lab management and operations, including sample and inventory tracking.
• Author and revise analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports; ensure clear documentation of experimental rational, results, and conclusions for internal review and stakeholder communication.

Laboratory Operations & Instrumentation

• Coordinate routine instrument maintenance and service activities; interface with vendors and lab management team as needed and support timely issue resolution.
• 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.

Team Collaboration

• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams to define analytical plans, meet project timelines, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Communicate experimental progress, data interpretation, and emerging risks clearly; propose mitigation plans and align next steps with stakeholders.
• Contribute to a compliant, safety-focused, and scientifically rigorous lab culture; model good documentation practices and data integrity expectations.
• Train and mentor junior staff/new team members on analytical assays, workflows, and troubleshooting; provide day-to-day technical guidance and feedback.

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 elevate 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.

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 2–5 years; MS with 7+ years; BS with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in analytical development, QC, or related field.
• Strong hands‑on experience with multiple analytical techniques, such as UV-Vis, HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, liquid chromatography, 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.
• Ability to independently plan and prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet timelines with minimal supervision.
• 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.
• Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

Reports to: Senior Manager, Analytical Development

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)

Expected Contract Length: 12 months

Hourly Range: $70 - $76 (SF Bay Area). Hourly ranges for non-California locations may vary.

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.