Associate Scientist I (Contract), Formulation Development

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 has an exciting opportunity for an energetic and talented individual to join our Formulation Development team. The Associate Scientist will play a key supporting role in the development of innovative protein–polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.

The successful candidate will support formulation development activities to advance Vaxcyte’s drug product pipeline from early development through commercialization. This role will also involve supporting scientists in the execution of experimental studies, as well as the testing and characterization of formulations, supporting investigations, and contributing to process optimization and technical problem-solving.

Essential Functions:

• Support for the manufacture of complex drug product formulations for use in analytical and process development, validation of assays etc.
• Organize the formulation development lab benches and storage space by setting up weekly cleanup schedules with the team, fridge space management, and maintaining the lab to meet safety standards.
• Support the scientist in execution of experiments by utilizing biochemical, biophysical and particle techniques, and as well as assisting with data interpretation.
• Prepare buffers and lab reagents for use in manufacturing and testing activities.
• Execute experiments with scientific rigor and excellent documentation.
• This position reports into the Formulation Development line and is part of the broader Process Development and Manufacturing group.
• Significant partnerships with the Analytical, Device, and Process Engineering teams will occur; thus, the ability to work within this collaborative environment is essential.
• This role requires agility in both thought processes and practical execution.
• In addition, being scientifically pro-active within the small group will be encouraged.
• This is a lab-based position and requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods as well as work in biosafety cabinets.

Requirements:

• BS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry preferred, Organic / Biochemistry considered, with 1-2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Solid understanding of analytical chemistry or biochemistry principles.
• Experience in calculating buffer recipes and preparing buffers and laboratory reagents is required.
• Demonstrates highly efficient, organized, and methodical work practices encompassing practical lab tasks, notebook maintenance, and comprehensive record keeping. Prior experience with an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) system is preferred.
• Experience with method troubleshooting and data analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• An understanding of analytical statistical analysis is also preferred.
• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism and JMP is also desirable.
• Attention to detail and excellent skills in pipetting and sample preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment on multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.