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Associate Engineer II (contract), Polysaccharide Pilot Plant Process Development

San Carlos, California, United States

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 looking for an energetic and talented Associate Engineer II to contribute to the Polysaccharide Upstream Pilot Plant as this person will be responsible supporting design and execution of experiments at pilot scale of polysaccharide production and scale down model experiments of process operations, contributing towards the process characterization of the polysaccharide process.
The successful candidate will have knowledge and practical laboratory upstream process experience in executing, supporting, or developing processes such as fermentation, clarification processes (centrifugation experience is a plus), and tangential flow filtration. In addition, the candidate must have experience in performing plate-based colorimetric assays (Bradford and Lowry assays are a plus).

Essential Functions:

  • Perform experiments for polysaccharide upstream process such as fermenters, centrifuges, depth filtration, and tangential flow filtration operations.
  • Support media and buffer preparations for the experiments for execution.
  • Perform assays needed to analyze the results of the experiment such as metabolite analysis for fermentation and colorimetric plate assays to determine concentrations of product and impurities through the operations.
  • Assist in design and execution of upstream process development studies, including protocols and reports.
  • Keep accurate and current records of development experiments and/or project related activities in an electronic laboratory notebook.
  • Present data from experiments to the team and contribute to technical discussions.
  • Work within a team environment and provides support as necessary to further the team’s initiatives.

Requirements: 

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with minimum 2 years of relevant industry experience. MS without experience; or equivalent work experience.
  • Strong experience with at least 2 upstream operations: single-use fermentors, centrifuges, depth filtration, and tangential flow filtration.
  • Experience executing colorimetric plate-based assays and routine biological operations analyses such metabolite, pH, and turbidity monitoring.
  • Experience in writing experimental protocols and summary reports, as well as presenting data for discussion.
  • Proficient with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Experience in a GxP environment and working knowledge of the requirements of GMPs.
  • Working knowledge of use of an electronic laboratory notebook (Benchling experience is a plus).
  • Familiarity with DoE (Design of Experiments) and application of statistics.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate well within the team and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be flexible with working hours as needed for the experiments.
  • Polysaccharide team members require booster vaccination with PCV.
Reports to: Director, Polysaccharide Pilot Plant Process Development
 
Location: San Carlos, CA
 
Expected Contract Length: 
12months
 
Hourly Range: $48.00 - $54.00

 

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.

 

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