Sr. Scientist, Upstream Polysaccharide Process 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:

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.

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.

MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.

Summary:

The Development organization is comprised of four Process teams: Protein, Polysaccharide, Conjugate Drug Substance (Conjugation), and Drug Product. These Process Development teams are supported by Analytical Development and Formulation Development teams. Vaxcyte is looking for a Senior Scientist with experience in early-stage fermentation development and late-stage process development to join the Upstream Polysaccharide process team. The candidate will be responsible for developing and optimizing upstream processes for polysaccharide manufacturing using microorganisms. In addition, this person will lead and mentor junior scientists and research associates and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project goals and timelines. This is a key role for the upstream polysaccharide team which will require someone who is creative, flexible and can adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Functions:

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments for upstream polysaccharide fermentation processes and scale-up of microbial fermentation, and vaccine production processes.
• Design experiment to optimize fermenter process parameters such as media, feed, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, agitation, and aeration to enhance product yield, quality, and consistency.
• Lead early and late-stage upstream process development for polysaccharide vaccine production.
• Lead and perform fermenter studies including kLa/OTR, scale-up and scale-down processes.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methods to improve upstream process performance and robustness.
• Prepare and review technical reports, SOPs, batch records, and regulatory documents.
• Lead and supervise junior scientists and research associates and provide technical guidance and troubleshooting.
• Present and communicate scientific data and results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with downstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams within polysaccharide development and manufacturing team to ensure seamless technology transfer and process integration.
• Be an outstanding teammate and collaborate across groups both internal and external (CMO) to Vaxcyte.

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or similar degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or MS with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Expertise in upstream process development, scale-down, scale-up, and technology transfer of microbial fermentation, and vaccine production processes.
• Cell banking expertise, colony selection and genetic analysis of recombinant strains.
• Hands-on experience with fermenters, microbial media, and process analytical technologies.
• Strong knowledge in fermentation development utilizing multi-variate development experiments (e.g. Design of Experiments) for polysaccharide production using microorganisms in lab and pilot-scale fermenters.
• Experience working with BSL2 organisms, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are a plus.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in data analysis and statistical software such as JMP or Design Expert.

Reports to: Director, Upstream Polysaccharide Process Development

Location: San Carlos, CA

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

Salary Range: $150,000 - $169,000

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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