Associate Scientist II, Polysaccharide Process Development

Company: Initial Therapeutics, Inc.
Location: San Carlos
Posted on: March 21, 2025

Job Description:

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, periodontitis 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.Summary:The Development organization is comprised of four Process teams: Protein, Polysaccharide, Conjugate Drug Substance (Conjugation), and Drug Product. These Process Development teams are supported by Analytical Development and Formulation Development teams. Vaxcyte is looking for an Associate Scientist II with experience in microbial fermentation and upstream processing to join the MFG/Process Development Team. The candidate will be responsible for collaboration on experimental design and execution of experiments to further develop and optimize upstream processes for polysaccharide manufacturing. The successful candidate will have practical laboratory experience related to upstream processes and eager to utilize and learn new laboratory skills. The role will require > 50% time in the lab and this person will be able to independently detail experimental procedures/results in written and presentation formats. The successful candidate may interface closely with the cross-functional team, write detailed technical reports, present experimental results internally, and may potentially interface with external CMO partners.Essential Functions:
• Assist in designing and executing process development runs focusing on scale down modeling and late-stage process characterization of upstream and primary recovery steps.
• Operate and maintain instrumentation including TFF systems, depth filtration and continuous centrifugation.
• Record data in electronic laboratory notebooks and aid in writing technical summary reports.
• Perform analytical assays for process development and in-process manufacturing samples and maintain manufacturing and process development data repositories.
• Perform statistical analysis for manufacturing in-process data for manufacturing process insights and characterization purposes.
• Present data to the team to provide updates on small scale development activities and contribute to technical discussions.
• Review manufacturing documents and transfer in-process data to data repositories.Requirements:
• B.S./M.S. in biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering or other related disciplines with 2+ years of experience.
• Prior experience with fermentation and primary recovery operations including depth filtration, centrifugation, and TFF.
• Experience with analytical methods such as plate-based assays, UV-spectrophotometry, and metabolite analyzers.
• Experience writing technical documents including lab operation protocols and data summary reports.
• Proficiency in computer programs including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
• Experience with statistical software such as JMP, R studio, python, etc. for data analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical methods for process characterization and validation is a plus.
• Familiarity with DOE principles and experience with DoE software (JMP) is a plus.
• Experience with GXP requirements including deviation investigations, CAPAs, and change controls is a plus.Reports to: Senior Engineer, Polysaccharide Process DevelopmentLocation: San Carlos, CACompensation:The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.Salary Range: $105,000 - $114,500Vaxcyte, Inc.825 Industrial Road, Suite 300San Carlos, CA 94070We 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.
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Keywords: Initial Therapeutics, Inc., San Francisco , Associate Scientist II, Polysaccharide Process Development, Other , San Carlos, California