Scientist II, Analytical Development (Contract)

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 has an exciting opportunity for an energetic and talented individual to join our Analytical Development team. The Scientist II, Analytical Development, is responsible for executing analytical testing and contributing to analytical method development activities for biologics/vaccine development programs. This role performs routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques, supports method optimization and troubleshooting efforts, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives with moderate supervision while partnering effectively with cross-functional teams. The position requires demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience, strong technical execution, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently plan and execute assigned work, analyze and interpret data, and escalate and/or drive investigations as needed. This role authors and maintains clear technical documentation, including method protocols, method development summaries, and SOPs, and communicates experimental results and conclusions to internal stakeholders.

Essential Functions:

Method Development & Troubleshooting

• Contribute to method development, optimization, and qualification/validation readiness activities.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate critical method parameters and define appropriate system suitability and control strategies.
• Troubleshoot assay and instrument performance issues using a structured approach; interpret data to identify likely root causes, implement corrective actions, and document outcomes and recommendations.
• Support and/or execute method transfer activities, including protocol preparation, training support, execution at receiving labs, and resolution of transfer issues.
• Author and revise analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports; ensure clear documentation of experimental rationale, results, and conclusions for internal review and stakeholder communication.

Team Collaboration

• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams to define analytical plans, meet project timelines, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Communicate experimental progress, data interpretation, and emerging risks clearly; propose mitigation plans and align next steps with stakeholders.
• Contribute to a compliant, safety-focused, and scientifically rigorous lab culture, model good documentation practices and data integrity expectations.
• Train and mentor junior staff/new team members on assays, workflows, and troubleshooting; provide day-to-day technical guidance and feedback.

Analytical Testing & Data Generation

• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using modern analytical methods (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, SEC, CE, UV-Vis, ELISA, electrophoresis, plate-based assays, and other biochemical/biophysical techniques).
• Execute assays in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, and applicable quality standards (GLP/GMP as applicable); identify and troubleshoot common issues.
• Perform data processing and interpretation; summarize results, trends, and potential risks, and escalate complex findings for review and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems; contribute to clear technical communications to project and cross-functional stakeholders.

Laboratory Operations & Instrumentation

• Coordinate routine instrument maintenance and service activities; interface with vendors as needed and support timely issue resolution.
• Ensure laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliant material labeling/storage practices.
• Manage inventory of reagents, standards, and consumables; initiate procurement, track critical supplies, and support forecasting to avoid stockouts.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) policies and laboratory safety practices.
• Handle chemicals and biological materials safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper waste disposal and adherence to hazardous material handling procedures.
• Support audit and inspection readiness activities where applicable.

Requirements: 

• PhD, MS or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. PhD with 2-5 years; MS with 7+ years; BS/BA with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with multiple analytical techniques, such as UV-Vis, HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, Liquid chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, enzyme kinetics, colorimetric and fluorescent plate-based assays, ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR.
• Experience independently driving method development or optimization activities preferred.

• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry/biochemistry principles with demonstrated application to assay development and control strategies.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot non-routine assay and instrument issues using structured root-cause analysis and data-driven decision making.
• Proficient with analytical software, data processing workflows, and statistical tools.
• Strong scientific judgment and attention to detail consistently produces high-quality, inspection-ready documentation.
• Ability to independently plan and prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet timelines with minimal supervision.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication; able to summarize complex data, present recommendations, and collaborate across functions.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused laboratory culture.

Reports to: Senior Scientist, Analytical Development
 
Location: San Carlos, CA
 

Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy): 
Onsite (minimum of 4 days per week onsite)

 
Expected Contract Length: 12 Months
 
Hourly Range: $70 - $78

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.