Sr. Scientist, Analytical Development For Raw Materials

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.

 

 

Vaxcyte is looking for an energetic and talented individual to join our Analytical Development team. Primary responsibility for the incumbent will include method development, sample testing and data analysis, protocol and report authorization, and analytical method transfer oversight and coordination. 

Essential Functions:

• Independently perform method development across a broad range of analytical methods for Raw Materials for QC and characterization purpose to support pre-clinical and clinical projects.
• Oversee method transfer to external contract testing labs; Design and perform studies to assist troubleshooting of QC testing, method qualification/validation or issues related to the methods as needed.
• Perform analytical testing, data analysis and interpretation and present in various project and functional team meetings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project timelines and goals.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of laboratory work.
• Author analytical documents including but not limited to test method, protocols, and reports.

Requirements:

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience; MS or BS with 8+ years of industry experience in Pharma/Biotech.
• Extensive hands-on experience in a wide range of analytical techniques, such as UV-Vis,  HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, LCMS, GCMS, enzyme kinetics, colorimetric and fluorescent plate-based assays, ELISA, Western Blot, etc.
• Adeptness in learning: given the broad range of molecular structures and analytical methods involved, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies is paramount.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions is critical for the success of this role.
• Familiar with regulatory standards and quality systems (e.g., GLP, GMP).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, and to consistently meet aggressive timelines while prioritizing tasks for multiple projects.
• Must communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and precisely to a variety of audiences, including junior scientists, cross-functional teams, and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively in a team environment.
• This position is a lab-based role and requires onsite presence.
• All Vaxcyte employees require vaccination against COVID-19.

Reports to: Associate Director, Analytical Development, Raw Materials

 

Location: San Carlos, CA

 

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

 

Salary Range: $152,000 - $170,000

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.