Sr. Scientist, Polysaccharide Analytical Development

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Job description

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, periodontitis 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:

Looking for an energetic and talented individual to join our Polysaccharide Analytical Development team. Primary responsibility for the incumbent will be to provide method development, optimization, and assay transfer support to the developmental activities currently on going in the Polysaccharide team as assigned. This role will also be responsible for managing the assay expansion and automation activities in the polysaccharide group by managing relevant projects and associated personnel.
Essential Functions:

• Independently design, execute, and interpret routine in-house assays to analyze and characterize polysaccharide intermediates and in-process samples. Assays include: Spectroscopic methods (MS, NMR, etc.), HPLC based assays (SEC-MALS, HPLC-RI, UPLC-CAD, etc.), microplate assays, both colorimetric (Ex. Lowry, PicoGreen, etc.) and enzyme-based assays (ELISA/MSD).
• Implement novel assay platforms for polysaccharide analysis and characterization to either replace or complement existing conventional assay platforms.
• Provide oversight to the assay automation endeavors in the polysaccharide group.
• Responsible for the overall quality and compliance of all the testing.
• Troubleshoot various issues during analytical method development.
• Complete any assigned tasks and report data in high quality and promptly.
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and coaching to junior scientists.
• Keep accurate and detailed records of experiments in technical reports, laboratory notebooks, and Benchling entries.
• Summarize data and communicate to cross-functional teams timely and clearly.
• Work within a team environment and provide support to further team objectives.

Requirements:

• A PhD with 5 years of experience, a Master's degree with 10 years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 13 years of experience in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field in Biological Sciences.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in biomolecular characterization/analysis using multiple analytical methods including HPLC, and Mass Spectrometry or NMR.
• Experience with Analytical Method development/qualification.
• Experience in carbohydrate analysis desired, for example in HPAEC-PAD, colorimetric methods, SEC-MALS, Immunoassay (examples are ELISA/MSD). and Colorimetric plate-based assays.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems (TECAN or Hamilton system) will be beneficial but not required.
• Experience with driving a project forward by managing cross-functional team activities and direct reports.
• Attention to detail and excellent skills in record keeping / documentation. Critical thinking and ability to analyze data.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written formats.
• Ability to work under supervision in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and collaborate effectively with other team members. Eagerness and ability to learn and understand new concepts with ease.

Reports to: Associate Director, Polysaccharide Analytical Development

Location: San Carlos, CA

Compensation:
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

Salary Range: $152,000 - $170,000

Vaxcyte, Inc.
825 Industrial Road, Suite 300
San Carlos, CA 94070

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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