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Engineer I, Upstream Development for Protein Development and Manufacturing (Contract)

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 seeking a talented and experienced Engineer I/II, to join the Upstream Process Development group within the Protein Development and CMC team. This is an exciting opportunity to join an outstanding team pursuing bacterial fermentation development at Vaxcyte.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and qualities:

  • Hands-on experience operating and maintaining bioreactors, including Ambr® 250, at laboratory scale.
  • Experience with pilot scale fermentation and recovery equipment is a plus.
  • Skillful in analyzing and presenting data for process improvements, troubleshooting, and optimization.
  • An exceptional team player who works seamlessly with others, speaks up, and remains focused on achieving the best results to achieve company goals.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead operational activities related to bioreactor set-up, monitoring, harvest, and maintenance.
  • Develop, test, and implement recipe scripting for fed-batch fermentation feeding controls.
  • Provide engineering support for design, implementation, and qualification of scale-down models.
  • Author SOPs (standard operating procedure), process flow diagrams and batch records.
  • Analyze and present fermentation data at internal project meetings. Participate in upstream database management and documentation in electronic notebooks.

Requirements: 

  • BS in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline with 8+ years, MS with 4+ years, or PhD with 0-2 years of relevant Pharma/Biotech industry experience.
  • Hands-on experience with fermentation and/or primary recovery unit operations.
    • Good understanding in fundamentals of bioreactor design, operation and controls.
    • Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques
    • Mechanical and technical knowledge of primary recovery unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, and depth filtration, is a plus
    • Understanding of fermentation scale up and development of scale down models
  • Familiarity with DoE (Design of Experiments) principles and software.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements of biotherapeutics. Late-stage process characterization experience is a plus.
Reports to: Senior Scientist, Upstream Development for Protein Development & Manufacturing
 
Location: San Carlos, CA
 
Expected Contract Length: 12 months
 
Hourly Range: $62 - $69 

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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