Associate Scientist I, Analytical Development For Characterization

Vaxcyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCVX) is a vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases. The Company is developing broad-spectrum conjugate and novel protein vaccines to prevent or treat bacterial infectious diseases. Vaxcyte's lead candidate, VAX-24, is a 24-valent, broad-spectrum, carrier-sparing pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) being developed for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The Company is re-engineering the way highly complex immunizations are made through modern synthetic techniques, including advanced chemistry and our exclusively licensed XpressCFTM cell-free protein synthesis platform. Unlike conventional cell-based approaches, the Company's system for producing difficult-to-make proteins and antigens is intended to accelerate its ability to efficiently create and deliver high-fidelity vaccines with enhanced immunological benefits. Vaxcyte's pipeline also includes VAX-31, a 31-valent PCV candidate; VAX-A1, a prophylactic vaccine candidate designed to prevent Group A Strep infections; VAX-PG, a therapeutic vaccine candidate designed to slow or stop the progression of periodontal disease; and VAX-GI, a vaccine program designed to prevent Shigella. The Company is driven to eradicate or treat invasive bacterial infections, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. For more information, visit www.vaxcyte.com.

 

Vaxcyte, headquartered in San Carlos, CA, went public in June 2020 and currently has a team of approximately 180 employees and anticipates continued, significant growth. Following equity offerings in October 2022 and April 2023, which generated over $1.1 billion in net proceeds, the Company's balance sheet is further strengthened to advance its pipeline of novel vaccines, including VAX-24. These financings followed positive data readouts from Vaxcyte's Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept study evaluating VAX-24 in adults aged 18-64 and Phase 2 study in adults 65 and older. The Company believes these results support a best-in-class potential for VAX-24, which was designed to replace the current standard-of-care in adults and children. VAX-24 is being investigated for the prevention of IPD, which can be most serious for infants, young children, older adults and those with immune deficiencies or certain chronic health conditions. Given the global impact of pneumococcal disease remains significant, the public health community continues to advocate for vaccines that can offer broader protection to prevent IPD. Vaxcyte's PCV franchise, consisting of VAX-24 and VAX-31, is designed specifically to address this need and has the potential to deliver the broadest protection for this very serious disease. We believe that our PCVs could receive regulatory approval based on successful completion of clinical studies utilizing well-defined surrogate immune endpoints, consistent with how other PCVs have obtained regulatory approval in the past, rather than requiring clinical field efficacy studies.

 

 

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join our Analytical development team in conducting experiments for Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) analysis. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our development efforts by performing LCMS experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the interpretation of result. The candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, must be a collaborative team player, has a strong desire to learn new techniques and concepts, and be committed to Vaxcyte mission.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare samples for analysis, execute analytical procedures according to the SOP, and perform data analysis.
• Provide assay supports to PD.
• Assist in developing and implementing mass spectrometry-based workflows for Characterization of proteins, conjugates, and other in-process molecules.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mass spectrometry instruments.
• Analyze data using appropriate software tools. Interpret, communicate, and present data.
• Assist with authoring and maintaining standard operating procedures.
• Document results of analyses and experiments with an electronic notebook system.
• Support cross-functional teams with their analytic needs based on mass spectrometry.

Requirements:

• BA in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology or a related discipline, with 2-4 years of relevant experience, or MS with 1-2 years of experience.
• Prior hands-on experience in a laboratory setting.
• Basic understanding of mass spectrometry technologies.
• Hands-on experience with peptide mapping and intact analysis by LCMS is highly desirable.
• Highly organized, strong attention to details and excellent record keeping/documentation abilities.
• Critical thinking and ability to analyze data.
• Eager and able to learn and understand new concepts with ease.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with team members.
• Ability to work under supervision and collaborate effectively with team members.
• Committed to upholding high standards of integrity, professionalism, and safety in all aspects of work.
• Familiarity with mass spectrometry techniques such as tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
• Experience with method development and validation for LCMS analysis.
• Experience with HPLC chromatography for proteins and conjugate.
• Experience with Chromatography-based quantification strongly preferred.
• All Vaxcyte employees require vaccination against COVID-19.

Reports to: Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

 

Location: San Carlos, CA

 

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

 

Salary Range: $74,000 - $88,000

careers@vaxcyte.com

 

Vaxcyte, Inc.

825 Industrial Road, Suite 300

San Carlos, CA 94070

 

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.