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Associate Scientist II, Conjugation 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 Scientist II, Conjugation Development who will contribute to the development of a robust process for generating Vaxcyte’s proprietary pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The successful candidate will be proficient in basic laboratory techniques and be responsible for the support of the scientists in the execution of large and complex experimentation. Specifically, this will include synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of polysaccharide-protein conjugates. With the training provided, the successful candidate will be expected to optimize and troubleshoot the synthesis and purification procedures independently with minimal guidance. 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:

  • Make buffers and other process solutions to support the Conjugation team during Process Characterization
  • Analyze conjugates with several methods including colorimetric assays and multiple HPLC assays.
  • Purify conjugates using a variety of methods including size-exclusion chromatography and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
  • Contribute to the development and execution of Design of Experiment (DoE) models for process development.
  • Support the development work toward a process characterization of conjugate vaccine.
  • Design and execute basic process development experiments with minimal guidance
  • Complete any assigned tasks in high quality and in a timely manner.
  • Maintain good documentation practices for recording experimental plans and results in electronic lab notebook and associated reports.
  • Assist in troubleshooting of instrumentation and test methods, including the ordering of supplies and maintenance of equipment.
  • Participate in group meetings, present results of work, interpret data, and report results in an accurate manner.
  • Work within a team environment and provide support to further team objectives.

Requirements: 

  • BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with minimum 2 years of industry experience, or MS degree with minimum 1 years of industry experience.
  • Experience in setting up and carrying out chemical reactions.
  • Experience with protein conjugation reactions is a major plus.
  • Experience with laboratory-scale protein purification methods such as dialysis, diafiltration, size-exclusion chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
  • Hands on experience with analytical methods including reversed-phase HPLC, colorimetric assays, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and SDS-PAGE for characterization of reaction products.
  • Direct experience operating Agilent HPLC using OpenLab/ Chemstation software and/ or Waters UPLC and Empower software for data acquisition and analysis is a plus.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Reports to: Scientist II, Conjugation Development

Location: San Carlos, CA
 
Compensation:
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.
 
Salary Range: $105,000 – $122,000 *(SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.

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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