Scientist Job at Vaxcyte, USA | Molecular Biology & Life Sciences | Apply Now
If you are an experienced protein purification scientist or a molecular biology graduate looking to pioneer high-fidelity antigen isolation frameworks, this 12-month contract position at Vaxcyte is an exceptional career move. Located at Vaxcyte’s cutting-edge research facilities in San Carlos, California, this role places you on the frontline of developing complex multimeric and conjugate vaccines. For technically driven chromatographers searching for a high-impact Scientist Job, this position offers hands-on mastery over automated AKTA FPLC systems, multimodal purification trains, and high-throughput process development. It serves as an elite launchpad for a long-term Molecular Biology Job track and stands out as a premier choice for anyone tracking a competitive, specialized Job in USA within the commercial vaccine innovation sector.
- Job Position: Associate Scientist II (Contract), Research
- Location: San Carlos, California, United States
About The Company
Vaxcyte is a prominent clinical-stage vaccine innovation company dedicated to engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the devastating consequences of bacterial diseases. By leveraging advanced cell-free protein synthesis and novel conjugation chemistries, Vaxcyte targets complex pathogens that have serious, costly health consequences when left unchecked—including invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella.
Operating under a mission-driven framework guided by core values like Rethink Convention and Aim High, Vaxcyte tackles the challenge of manufacturing some of the most complex biologics ever attempted. Joining the Research team means stepping into an inclusive, highly collaborative laboratory where creative and intellectual diversity is used to optimize next-generation therapeutics.
Scientist Job – Key Responsibilities
The Associate Scientist II will assume daily operational responsibility for executing, screening, and scaling up advanced purification modalities to isolate diverse vaccine antigens.
Your core downstream processing, analytical tracking, and documentation duties include:
- Advanced FPLC Execution: Operating automated AKTA FPLC systems running on UNICORN software to execute diverse chromatographic modalities, moving far beyond standard monoclonal antibody/Protein A workflows.
- Multimodal Separation Processing: Independently setting up and running specialized capture and polishing techniques, including:
- Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC)
- Ion-Exchange Chromatography (IEX)
- Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC)
- Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
- Hydroxyapatite Chromatography (CHT / HA)
- Chromatography Train Design: Designing and optimizing multi-step purification trains utilizing complementary modalities to systematically reduce host cell proteins (HCP), endotoxins, and high-molecular-weight aggregates to advance this Scientist Job.
- Membrane & Scavenging Polishing: Utilizing membrane chromatography systems for high-throughput contaminant removal, virus/VLP processing, and scale-friendly polishing or scavenging steps.
- Electronic Record Curation: Maintaining accurate, thorough, and real-time records of process development variables and experimental findings in an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (eLN).
- Data Dissemination: Compiling raw chromatographic data, presenting experimental conclusions to the broader research team, and contributing to technical discussions for this Molecular Biology Job.
Qualifications & Profile Requirements For Scientist Job
Vaxcyte seeks a methodical, collaborative laboratory analyst who demonstrates robust problem-solving habits and a proven track record handling diverse recombinant protein targets.
- Required Academic & Experience Pathways:
- Pathway 1: A Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a relevant natural science field paired with a minimum of 2 years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience to secure this Job in USA.
- Pathway 2: A Master’s degree (MS) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a relevant natural science field paired with a minimum of 1 year of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience.
- Essential Technical Competencies:
- Hands-on experience with process development, including the selection, screening, development, scale-up, and characterization of alternative capture/polishing methods and orthogonal cleaning strategies.
- Practical exposure handling diverse, non-standard molecular targets, including bacterial and eukaryotic recombinant proteins, fusion proteins, multimeric complexes, glycoproteins, or Virus-Like Particles (VLPs).
- Strong interpersonal communication habits paired with excellent technical writing skills.
- Preferred Technical Assets:
- Direct, practical familiarity with Cell-Free Protein Synthesis (CFPS) systems.
- Familiarity with high-throughput screening automation (e.g., 96-well plate formats) and Design of Experiments (DoE) optimization integrations within UNICORN/AKTA software.
Logistics, Compensation & Work Architecture
- Location: San Carlos, California, United States.
- Workspace Framework: 100% Onsite laboratory operations.
- Employment Status: Full-Time, Contract Position.
- Expected Contract Length: 12 Months fixed term.
- Hourly Wage Scale: $51.00 – $56.00 per hour (Determined based on individual qualifications, specific background skills, and cGMP/process development experience tier).
- Reporting Architecture: Directly reports to the Scientist II, Research.
In short, the Associate Scientist II position within Vaxcyte’s Research division is a definitive route to translating your downstream processing and molecular biology background into a premium global health asset. Securing an appointment here allows you to move past repetitive, single-antibody purification pipelines and take direct, frontline command of the automated AKTA arrays, complex antigen extractions, and multi-step polishing trains that deliver breakthrough vaccines to clinical pipelines. If you reside in or can commute to San Carlos, meet the industry experience criteria, and possess verified FPLC chromatography skills, apply today to secure this premier Scientist Job, launch a highly rewarding Molecular Biology Job, and lock in this outstanding Job in USA.
