Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

The posting, as Vaxcyte wrote it

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 Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, is responsible for leading analytical method development activities for biologics/vaccine development programs. This role designs and drives method development, performs and oversees routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques, and leads method optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives with minimal supervision, including mentoring and technical guidance to junior team members. The position requires demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience, deep technical expertise, and strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently plan and execute work, interpret complex data, and drive investigations to root cause and resolution. This role also authors, reviews, and maintains high-quality technical documentation, including method protocols, method development reports, qualification documentation, SOPs, and clear technical summaries that communicate experimental findings and conclusions to internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Functions

Method Development & Troubleshooting

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for method development, optimization and qualification/validation readiness.
• Define development strategies and experimental roadmaps, identify critical method attributes, set robustness/qualification approaches, and drive alignment with program and regulatory expectations.
• Lead complex troubleshooting and investigations across assays and instrumentation; establish root-cause and preventive controls, and mentor others i

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Demonstrated ability to lead multiple priorities and influence program direction; effectively resource-plans, remove blockers, and mentor others to deliver results.

• Excellent communication skills: effectively communicate risk, options, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership, and align cross-functional teams on path forward.
• 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: Associate Director, Analytical Development

Location: Onsite in 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)

Compensation

The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

Salary Range: $165,000 – $193,000 (SF Bay Area) Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.

Relocation

This role is eligible for relocation assistance.
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 .