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Full-Time

Sr. Scientist

Analytical Development for Raw Materials

Posted on 10/1/2024

Vaxcyte

Vaxcyte

201-500 employees

Develops vaccines for bacterial infections

Biotechnology
Healthcare

Compensation Overview

$152k - $170kAnnually

+ Equity Component

Mid, Senior

San Carlos, CA, USA

This position is a lab-based role and requires onsite presence.

Category
Lab & Research
Life Sciences
Medical Research
Required Skills
Communications
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience; MS or BS with 8+ years of industry experience in Pharma/Biotech.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in a wide range of analytical techniques, such as UV-Vis, HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, LCMS, GCMS, enzyme kinetics, colorimetric and fluorescent plate-based assays, ELISA, Western Blot, etc.
  • Adeptness in learning: given the broad range of molecular structures and analytical methods involved, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies is paramount.
  • Ability to analyze complex problems, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions is critical for the success of this role.
  • Familiar with regulatory standards and quality systems (e.g., GLP, GMP).
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, and to consistently meet aggressive timelines while prioritizing tasks for multiple projects.
  • Must communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and precisely to a variety of audiences, including junior scientists, cross-functional teams, and non-scientific stakeholders.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively in a team environment.
  • This position is a lab-based role and requires onsite presence.
Responsibilities
  • Independently perform method development across a broad range of analytical methods for raw materials for QC and characterization purpose to support pre-clinical and clinical projects.
  • Oversee method transfer to external contract testing labs; Design and perform studies to assist troubleshooting of QC testing, method qualification/validation or issues related to the methods as needed.
  • Perform analytical testing, data analysis and interpretation and present in various project and functional team meetings.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project timelines and goals.
  • Maintain thorough and accurate records of laboratory work.
  • Author analytical documents including but not limited to test method, protocols, and reports.

Vaxcyte develops vaccines aimed at preventing bacterial infections, focusing on diseases like invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, periodontitis, and Shigella. Their lead product, VAX-24, is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that targets 24 strains of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA. Vaxcyte utilizes advanced chemistry and a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform, XpressCF™, to create vaccines that can effectively address the complex defenses of bacteria while stimulating an immune response. This method sets them apart from traditional cell-based vaccine production. The company's goal is to develop and commercialize broad-spectrum vaccines to protect vulnerable populations from serious bacterial infections.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$2.3B

Headquarters

Foster City, California

Founded

2013

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

31%

1 year growth

61%

2 year growth

125%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Significant investments from major financial entities like Vanguard and Mutual of America Capital Management indicate strong market confidence in Vaxcyte's potential.
  • The recent $816.5 million raised through stock and warrant sales provides substantial capital for advancing their vaccine pipeline.
  • The appointment of experienced board members like John Furey can provide strategic guidance and enhance corporate governance.

What critics are saying

  • The success of Vaxcyte heavily depends on the clinical and commercial success of its lead product, VAX-24, which is still subject to regulatory approval.
  • The competitive landscape in vaccine development is intense, with numerous established players potentially overshadowing Vaxcyte's market entry.

What makes Vaxcyte unique

  • Vaxcyte leverages its proprietary XpressCF™ cell-free protein synthesis platform, which allows for more efficient and versatile vaccine production compared to traditional cell-based methods.
  • Their focus on broad-spectrum vaccines, such as VAX-24 targeting 24 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, sets them apart in the vaccine development landscape.
  • The FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for VAX-24 underscores the innovative potential and clinical significance of their lead product.