Scientist II, Upstream Development for Protein Development and Manufacturing

Vaxcyte; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaxcyte is seeking a talented Scientist II to join the Upstream Process Development group. This role focuses on the exciting area of bacterial fermentation development, demanding expertise in process development and operational responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD with 2-5 years of relevant experience and a strong scientific background in fermentation processes. The position offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits and equity component, and is based in San Carlos, CA with onsite work arrangements.

Qualifications

• PhD degree with relevant Pharma/Biotech industry experience.
• Strong background in fermentation and primary recovery operations.
• Good understanding of bioreactor design and operation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize upstream fermentation processes.
• Technical contributor to bioreactor set-up and maintenance.
• Analyze and present fermentation data.

Skills

Upstream fermentation processes

Bioreactor operation

Data analysis and presentation

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

PhD with 2-5 years, MS with 7 years, or BA/BS with 10 years of experience

Job description

Summary:

Vaxcyte is seeking a talented and experienced Scientist II, to join the Upstream Process Development group within the Protein Development and CMC team. This is an exciting opportunity to join an outstanding team pursuing bacterial fermentation development at Vaxcyte.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and qualities:

• A skilled upstream scientist with expertise in developing and characterizing bacterial fermentation processes for protein production.
• Hands‑on experience operating and maintaining bioreactors, including Ambr® 250, at laboratory scale.
• Experience with pilot scale fermentation and recovery equipment is a plus.
• Skillful in analyzing and presenting data for process improvements, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• An exceptional team player who works seamlessly with others, speaks up, and remains focused on achieving the best results to achieve company goals.
• An experienced scientist who works with growing independence, collaborates across functional teams, and mentors junior colleagues.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Essential Functions:

• Contribute significantly to the development and characterization of upstream fermentation processes.
• Serve as a primary technical contributor to operational activities related to bioreactor set‑up, monitoring, harvest, and maintenance.
• Develop, test, and implement recipe scripting for fed‑batch fermentation feeding controls.
• Provide engineering support for design, implementation, and qualification of scale‑down models.
• Author SOPs (standard operating procedure), process flow diagrams and batch records.
• Analyze and present fermentation data at internal project meetings. Participate in upstream database management and documentation in electronic notebooks.
• Collaborate with Downstream Process Development, Pilot Plant, MSAT, or Analytical Development as needed.
• Provide guidance or mentorship to junior team members.

Requirements:

• PhD with 2-5 years, MS with 7 years, or BA/BS with a minimum of 10 years of relevant Pharma/Biotech industry experience. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Strong scientific background and hands‑on experience with fermentation and/or primary recovery unit operations.
• Good understanding in fundamentals of bioreactor design, operation and controls.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques
• Mechanical and technical knowledge of primary recovery unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, and depth filtration, is a plus
• Understanding of fermentation scale up and development of scale down models
• Familiarity with DoE (Design of Experiments) principles and software.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements of biotherapeutics. Late‑stage process characterization experience is a plus.

Reports to:

Senior Scientist, Upstream Development and Manufacturing

Location:

San Carlos, CA

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:

$146,000 - $171,000

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.