Associate Scientist I, Research

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 Associate Scientist I, Research, to support the development of bacterial polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. This laboratory-based role will focus on analytical characterization of in-process intermediates and drug substances, including proteins, polysaccharides, and polysaccharide-protein conjugates.

The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary Research team to execute established analytical assays, prepare buffers and samples, analyze and report data, and support routine laboratory operations. Key techniques include SDS-PAGE, colorimetric plate-based assays such as ELISA, Hestrin, Bradford, Lowery, and Anthrone assays, HPLC, and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with multiple detectors, including SEC-MALS. The candidate will also support the evaluation and implementation of additional assays as project needs evolve.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on laboratory experience, a strong foundation in analytical principles, and a commitment to accurate and reproducible work. This individual will independently execute established protocols following training, with guidance on troubleshooting and data interpretation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining detailed laboratory records, participating in team meetings, and contributing to presentations for cross-functional teams, external collaborators, and senior management.

Essential Functions:

• Perform routine in-house analytical assays to characterize our in-process intermediates and drug substances containing proteins, polysaccharides, and protein-polysaccharide conjugates.
• Execute assays including but not limited to HPLC-SEC, RP-HPLC, SEC-MALS, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot and colorimetric microplate assays such as ELISA, Lowery, Bradford, Hestrin, and Anthrone assays.
• Independently prepare buffers, reagents, and samples according to established protocols, including large-volume buffer preparation as needed.
• Independently prepare, autoclave, and handle essential equipment and supplies to support the team’s experimental.
• Complete any assigned tasks and report data promptly and accurately to support project timelines.
• Keep accurate and detailed records of experiments in laboratory notebooks and Benchling entries.
• Review assay results, recognize unexpected findings, and communicate observations or technical issues to the appropriate team members.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records in Benchling and other designated systems to support data integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
• Summarize experimental results and communicate findings clearly at team meetings and to cross-functional collaborators.
• Support analytical method development, qualification, and troubleshooting under the guidance of experienced scientists.
• Collaborate with colleagues to coordinate sample testing and support shared project goals.
• Support daily laboratory operations, including maintaining supplies, organizing workspaces, and performing routine instrument maintenance.

Requirements:

• B.S. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience. M.S. with minimum of 1 year of experience. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Proficiency and hands-on experience with bioanalytical techniques is required, e.g. SDS-PAGE.
• A background and hand-on experience with Agilent HPLC using OpenLab/ Chemstation software for data acquisition and analysis is preferred.
• A background and hand-on experience with Wyatt Technology detectors including MALS and dRI using ASTRA software for data acquisition and analysis is preferred.
• Hands-on experience working with proteins, polysaccharides, and protein-polysaccharide conjugates is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with chemical and biological assays such as colorimetric microplate assays is preferred.
• Foundational understanding of analytical method development, qualification, and validation concepts.
• Ability to independently follow established protocols after training, recognize unexpected results, and seek guidance when needed.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accurate recordkeeping and documentation.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks and communicate progress and challenges in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Willingness and ability to learn new scientific concepts, analytical techniques, and software.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to contribute effectively to shared team goals.

Reports to: Scientist II, Research

Location: San Carlos, CA

Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy): Onsite (5 days per week onsite)

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

Salary Range: $86,500 - $101,000

Equal Opportunity

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.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

Please be aware of fraud or scams from individuals, organizations and/or internet sites claiming to represent Vaxcyte in recruitment activities. Vaxcyte has an established recruitment process for all positions prior to issuing an offer for employment and we will never extend unsolicited employment offers or ask candidates to provide financial or sensitive personal information as part of the application process. All legitimate communication from Vaxcyte will come from an official @vaxcyte.com email address. Qualified and interested candidates should apply to current openings at  vaxcyte.com/careers.