Summary:

Vaxcyte is seeking an Associate Scientist II (contract), Research, to support the research and development of a novel bacterial polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. Specifically, this role will contribute to the setup, synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of chemically modified polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein conjugates. 

The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of conjugation process development, analytical chemistry principles, and substantial hands-on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will be expected to independently optimize and troubleshoot upstream and downstream conjugation processing procedures with minimal guidance. The candidate will also contribute across a range of related areas, including analytical development, stability studies, and process optimization initiatives. Responsibilities will also include record management, presenting data at group meetings, and contributing to the authorship of laboratory protocols and development reports.

Essential Functions:

• Set up, optimize, and troubleshoot multi-step syntheses of protein-polysaccharide conjugates using click-chemistry and other related chemistries.
• Purify polysaccharides and conjugates using a variety of methods, including dialysis, FPLC chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).

• Characterize protein/polysaccharide/conjugates using different analytical methods, including SDS-PAGE gel, Western blotting, ELISA, HPLC, SEC-MALS, colorimetric and dynamic binding assays, et al.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) principles; design, execute, and interpret statistically modeled experiments using DoE software.
• Proactively contribute scientific ideas, experimental strategies, and process improvements.
• Independently review and summarize relevant scientific literature to inform experimental design.
• Maintain highly organized records and Benchling entries to enable optimization and assessment of reproducibility.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental data, including identifying trends, anomalies, and recommending next steps.
• Execute established protocols with limited oversight, demonstrating strong technical proficiency.
• Support team in routine laboratory activities and instrument maintenance.

Requirements: 

• BS. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field or a related discipline, with minimum 2 years of relevant industry experience. MS without experience; or equivalent work experience.
• Strong understanding of underlying scientific concepts, process development, and analytical assay principles.
• Extensive hands-on experience in purification methods such as diafiltration, depth filters, and TFF (required).
• Prior hands-on experience in the conjugation process development is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with common protein/polysaccharide/conjugates analytical techniques, including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, HPLC, and SEC-MALS, is required
• Proven track record of developing scalable processes suitable for the pharma/Biotech industry.
• Experience with vaccines, carbohydrates, or protein is a plus.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to contribute to the overall lab management, including organization of vendors, service contracts, and equipment maintenance.
• Demonstrated success working in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.