Senior Associate Scientist, Research

Vaxcyte, Inc.; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity component

Job summary

Vaxcyte, Inc. in San Carlos, CA is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to lead conjugation of polysaccharides and proteins for novel conjugate vaccines.

You will optimize processes, evaluate physicochemical properties, and work with cross-functional teams to advance programs in a GLP/GMP environment. The role requires 5+ years in industry or 3+ years with an MS, strong analytical skills, and hands-on bioconjugation experience.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in chemistry/biochemistry or related field with industry experience.
• Proficiency in conjugation techniques involving polysaccharides and proteins.
• Hands-on experience with analytical methods for biomolecule characterization.
• Knowledge of covalent coupling and crosslinking chemistries.
• Familiarity with GLP/GMP environments and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform conjugation of polysaccharides and proteins to create conjugate vaccines.
• Develop, optimize, and scale conjugation processes for yield and stability.
• Design experiments to evaluate physicochemical properties (size, charge, antigenicity).
• Conduct analytical characterization using HPLC, SEC, MS, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, etc.
• Collaborate with Process Development, Analytical Development, and QC teams.
• Document results and maintain lab notebooks per policy and regulatory standards.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings.
• Stay current with literature and new technologies in conjugate vaccines.

Skills

Conjugation techniques

Analytical characterization

Documentation & reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Chemistry/Biochemistry

MS in related field

Tools

HPLC

SEC

MS

SDS-PAGE

UV-Vis

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 seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Associate Scientist to join our Research Department. This role's primary focus is the conjugation of polysaccharides and proteins for the development of innovative conjugate vaccines. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing Vaxcyte’s mission of creating high-quality vaccines to prevent life-threatening infectious diseases.

Essential Functions:

• Perform conjugation of polysaccharides and proteins using established chemical methods to create conjugate vaccines.
• Develop, optimize, and scale up conjugation processes to improve yield, stability, and reproducibility.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate the physicochemical properties of conjugated vaccines, including size, charge, and antigenicity.
• Conduct analytical characterization of conjugates using techniques such as HPLC, SEC, MS, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, and other relevant methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Process Development, Analytical Development, and Quality Control, to ensure seamless project progression.
• Document experimental results accurately and maintain detailed laboratory notebooks in compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay up to date with current scientific literature and emerging technologies in conjugate vaccine development.

Requirements:

• BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience, or MS degree with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Proficiency in conjugation techniques involving polysaccharides and proteins.
• Hands-on experience with analytical methods for characterization of biomolecules.
• Knowledge of chemistry principles related to covalent coupling and crosslinking chemistries.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting and collaborating.
• Experience in vaccine development or biopharmaceutical research.
• Familiarity with GLP/GMP environments and regulatory standards.
• Prior work involving carbohydrate chemistry or protein modifications.

Reports to: Staff Scientist

Location: San Carlos, CA

Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy):

Onsite (5 days per week onsite)

Compensation:

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

Salary Range: $121,000 - $141,000

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.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

Please be aware of fraud or scams from individuals, organizations and/or internet sites claiming to represent Vaxcyte in recruitment activities. Vaxcyte has an established recruitment process for all positions prior to issuing an offer for employment and we will never extend unsolicited employment offers or ask candidates to provide financial or sensitive personal information as part of the application process. All legitimate communication from Vaxcyte will come from an official @vaxcyte.com email address.