Sr. Scientist, Polysaccharide Analytical Development

$152,000 - $170,000/Yr

Vaxcyte - San Carlos, CA

Full-time

San Carlos, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Vaxcyte is seeking an energetic and talented individual to join the Polysaccharide Analytical Development team. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide method development, optimization, and assay transfer support for ongoing developmental activities. The incumbent will manage assay expansion and automation activities within the polysaccharide group, overseeing relevant projects and personnel. This position is crucial for analyzing and characterizing polysaccharide intermediates and in-process samples using various analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and interpret routine in-house assays to analyze and characterize polysaccharide intermediates and in-process samples.
• Implement novel assay platforms for polysaccharide analysis and characterization.
• Provide oversight to the assay automation endeavors in the polysaccharide group.
• Ensure the overall quality and compliance of all testing.
• Troubleshoot issues during analytical method development.
• Complete assigned tasks and report data promptly and in high quality.
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and coaching to junior scientists.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments in technical reports and laboratory notebooks.
• Summarize data and communicate findings to cross-functional teams in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment to support 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, including HPAEC-PAD, colorimetric methods, SEC-MALS, and Immunoassay (e.g., ELISA/MSD).
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems (TECAN or Hamilton system) is beneficial but not required.
• Experience in managing cross-functional team activities and direct reports.
• Attention to detail and excellent skills in record keeping/documentation.
• Strong critical thinking and data analysis skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work under supervision in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems (TECAN or Hamilton system).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits
• Equity component