Associate Scientist II, Research

Summary:

Vaxcyte is looking for an energetic and talented individual to play a key supporting role in the Research Department.
The successful candidate will be proficient in basic laboratory techniques and be responsible for the support of the senior scientists in the execution of large and complex experimentation. These experiments will primarily take the form of pre-formulation and formulation studies for novel vaccine candidates, stability studies designed to select optimum formulation for tech transfer, process development studies to support projects within research department and troubleshooting studies to remove roadblocks for early-stage pipeline projects. 

Essential Functions:

• Conducting and coordinating pre-formulation and formulation studies, including bio-characterization studies, excipient screening, short- and long-term stability studies.
• Responsible for testing support for within the team which includes running assays such as protein concentration, pH and visual assessments.
• Support senior scientists in developing analytical methods for biocharacterization of large molecules such as DSC, CD, SEC and other similar techniques.
• Support senior scientists in developing processes to support a wide range of ongoing research projects.
• Being scientifically accurate and keeping excellent written records of experiments undertaken using Vaxcyte’s ELN system.
• This position will report into the Formulation and Process line within the Research Department. Significant partnerships with the Analytical and other research teams will occur, thus ability to work within this collaborative environment is essential.
• This role will require the incumbent to be agile in both thought processes and practical execution. In addition, being scientifically pro-active within the small group will be encouraged.

Requirements: 

• BA/BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Organic/Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 2 years of industrial experience; or MS in one of these disciplines with a minimum of 1 year of industrial experience.
• Experience in preparation of buffers and lab reagents required.
• Experience in basic biological characterization techniques preferred, including pH, Nanodrop, biochemical assays and particle size determinations
• Highly efficient and structured work practices including practical laboratory work, notebook upkeep, data generation and presentation to research and wider teams.
• Experience with analytical software like Excel for data entry/maintenance and analysis. An understanding of analytical statistical analysis is also preferred.
• Attention to detail and excellent skills in pipetting and sample preparation
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment on multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, with excellent written and verbal communication skills