Vaxcyte Scientist II, Upstream Development to design and execute fermentation studies for bacterial protein production. Analyze process parameters to support vaccine manufacturing scalability and robustness.
Responsibilities
Design and execute hypothesis-driven fermentation studies
Apply Design of Experiments and statistical analysis
Characterize process and identify critical parameters
Support establishment of process design space
Investigate unexpected or anomalous results
Qualification
PhD with 2-5 yearsStrong aseptic techniqueIntellectual curiosity and independenceReports to
Required
PhD with 2-5 years, MS with a minimum of 7 years, or BA/BS with a minimum of 10 years of relevant Pharma/Biotech industry experience in a relevant discipline. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
Strong scientific grounding in microbial physiology and metabolism, with the ability to reason from first principles about how process conditions drive cell behavior and protein quality.
Hands-on experience designing and executing laboratory-scale bacterial fermentation studies; high-throughput systems such as Ambr® 250 preferred but not required.
Familiarity with Design of Experiments and statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP); comfort analyzing and drawing defensible conclusions from large, multivariate process datasets.
Working understanding of bioreactor design, operation, and control, including mixing, mass transfer, and oxygen transfer fundamentals, as they inform experimental design and scale translation.
Strong aseptic technique.
Understanding of how primary recovery operations – homogenization, centrifugation, depth filtration – influence product quality and constrain upstream design choices, is a plus.
Strong scientific writing skills and a track record of authoring protocols, development reports, or peer-reviewed publications.
Familiarity with regulatory expectations for process characterization and validation of biotherapeutics. Late-stage process characterization experience is a plus.
Intellectual curiosity and independence: willingness to question assumptions, pursue explanations for unexpected observations, and learn new techniques outside the current area of expertise.
An exceptional collaborator who speaks up, engages in vigorous technical debate, and stays focused on the best outcome for the program.
Reports to: Senior Scientist, Upstream Development and Manufacturing
