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:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Associate Scientist (Contract) to join our Polysaccharide team. Primary responsibility for the incumbent will be to support analytical testing and characterization of polysaccharide-based drug candidates. This individual will execute and optimize a variety of biochemical and chromatographic assays, contribute to method development initiatives, and ensure high-quality data generation in support of research and development programs.
This role requires strong hands-on experience in HPLC-based techniques, biochemical assays, and analytical software platforms, along with a commitment to data integrity, documentation excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
Essential Functions:
Analytical Testing & Characterization
- Perform in-house assays for polysaccharide manufacturing, including in-process testing, process development and process characterization study sample analysis, including:
- HPLC-based assays (e.g., HPLC-RI, HPAEC-PAD, etc.)
- Spectrophotometric-based assays (e.g., UV/Vis, Lowry, PicoGreen, Anthrone, etc.)
- Enzyme- and/or Immuno assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD platforms)
- Nephelometry (e.g. Turbidity analysis)
- Metabolite Analysis (e.g. sugars)
- LC-MS-based assay
- Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and controls according to established protocols.
- Troubleshoot instrumentation and assay performance issues to ensure reliable data output.
Method Development & Optimization
- Assist in developing, qualifying, and optimizing analytical methods for sample preparation, testing, and characterization.
- Support method transfer, robustness evaluation, and documentation updates.
- Proactively recommend improvements to increase assay sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Utilize data analysis software platforms such as Empower and Chromeleon for HPLC data acquisition and analysis, and SoftMax Pro for MSD and spectrophotometric assay data analysis.
- Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data clearly and concisely.
- Prepare technical summaries and present findings to cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, CMC, Quality).
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks and electronic records in compliance with internal SOPs and laboratory standards.
- Ensure data integrity and adherence to applicable regulatory guidelines (e.g., GLP/GMP where applicable).
- Participate in audits, documentation reviews, and quality initiatives as needed.
Collaboration & Continuous Learning
- Collaborate effectively with scientists across disciplines to support program milestones.
- Demonstrate eagerness to learn new analytical techniques and scientific concepts.
- Integrate best laboratory practices and contribute to a culture of operational excellence.
Requirements:
- MSc in Chemistry/Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or similar degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience, or BSc with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.
- Hands-on experience with HPLC systems and carbohydrate or polysaccharide analysis.
- Experience with HPAEC-PAD is preferred.
- Experience with LC-MS/MS is a plus.
- Experience with Empower and/or Chromeleon software.
- Familiarity with biochemical assays (ELISA, colorimetric, fluorescence-based assays).
- Experience working with polysaccharides, biologics, or complex drug substances.
- Experience in in-process monitoring and testing for process-related impurities.
- Knowledge of regulatory expectations for analytical documentation.
- Experience supporting CMC, process development, or analytical development programs.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to data accuracy and reproducibility.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative team player with proactive communication style.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
Reports to: Senior Scientist, Polysaccharide Analytical Development
Location: San Carlos, CA
Expected Contract Length:
12months
Hourly Range: $56.00/hr. - $62.00/hr.
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.