--- title: 'Associate Scientist I, Research at Vaxcyte' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/associate-scientist-i-research-vaxcyte-san-carlos-k9qmt16gbeaw' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-19' --- # Associate Scientist I, Research at Vaxcyte - **Company:** Vaxcyte - **Location:** San Carlos, CA - **Posted:** 2026-10-05 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-19 - **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/vaxcyte/jobs/5444289008?gh_jid=5444289008 ## 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, 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 is looking for an Associate Scientist I, Research, to support the development of bacterial polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. This laboratory-based role will focus on analytical characterization of in-process intermediates and drug substances, including proteins, polysaccharides, and polysaccharide-protein conjugates. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary Research team to execute established analytical assays, prepare buffers and samples, analyze and report data, and support routine laboratory operations. Key techniques include SDS-PAGE, colorimetric plate-based assays such as ELISA, Hestrin, Bradford, Lowery, and Anthrone assays, HPLC, and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with multiple detectors, including SEC-MALS. The candidate will also support the evaluation and implementation of additional assays as project needs evolve. The ideal candidate will have hands-on laboratory experience, a strong foundation in analytical principles, and a commitment to accurate and reproducible work. This individual will independently execute established protocols following training, with guidance on troubleshooting and data interpretation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining detailed laboratory records, participating in team meetings, and contributing to presentations for cross-functional teams, external collaborators, and senior management. Essential Functions: - Perform routine in-house analytical assays to characterize our in-process intermediates and drug substances containing proteins, polysaccharides, and protein-polysaccharide conjugates. - Execute assays including but not limited to HPLC-SEC, RP-HPLC, SEC-MALS, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot and colorimetric microplate assays such as ELISA, Lowery, Bradford, Hestrin, and Anthrone assays. - Independently prepare buffers, reagents, and samples according to established protocols, including large-volume buffer preparation as needed. - Independently prepare, autoclave, and handle essential equipment and supplies to support the team’s experimental. - Complete any assigned tasks and report data promptly and accurately to support project timelines. - Keep accurate and detailed records of experiments in laboratory notebooks and Benchling entries. - Review assay results, recognize unexpected findings, and communicate observations or technical issues to the appropriate team members. - Maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records in Benchling and other designated systems to support data integrity, traceability, and reproducibility. - Summarize experimental results and communicate findings clearly at team meetings and to cross-functional collaborators. - Support analytical method development, qualification, and troubleshooting under the guidance of experienced scientists. - Collaborate with colleagues to coordinate sample testing and support shared project goals. - Support daily laboratory operations, including maintaining supplies, organizing workspaces, and performing routine instrument maintenance. Requirements: - B.S. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience. M.S. with minimum of 1 year of experience. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered. - Proficiency and hands-on experience with bioanalytical techniques is required, e.g. SDS-PAGE. - A background and hand-on experience with Agilent HPLC using OpenLab/ Chemstation software for data acquisition and analysis is preferred. - A background and hand-on experience with Wyatt Technology detectors including MALS and dRI using ASTRA software for data acquisition and analysis is preferred. - Hands-on experience working with proteins, polysaccharides, and protein-polysaccharide conjugates is preferred. - Hands-on experience with chemical and biological assays such as colorimetric microplate assays is preferred. - Foundational understanding of analytical method development, qualification, and validation concepts. - Ability to independently follow established protocols after training, recognize unexpected results, and seek guidance when needed. - Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accurate recordkeeping and documentation. - Ability to manage assigned tasks and communicate progress and challenges in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. - Willingness and ability to learn new scientific concepts, analytical techniques, and software. - Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to contribute effectively to shared team goals. Reports to: Scientist II, Research Location: San Carlos, CA Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy): Onsite (5 days per week onsite) Compensation: The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component. Salary Range: $86,500 – $101,000 ## 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](https://vaxcyte.com/careers/). ## About Vaxcyte ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage biotechnology company re-engineering how vaccines are made to eliminate bacterial infections, using a cell-free protein synthesis platform to develop high-fidelity, broad-spectrum vaccines. - **Entity Type**: Public (Ticker: PCVX) - **Headquarters**: San Carlos, California, United States - **Founded**: 2013 (as SutroVax; rebranded to Vaxcyte in 2020) - **Founders**: Not publicly available (the company emerged from Sutro Biopharma’s spin-out) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Biotechnology / Vaccines (Infectious Disease) - **Target customers**: Global healthcare systems, public health organizations, and ultimately patients (B2B/Institutional); the company develops vaccines for both pediatric and adult populations. - **Mission or purpose**: To protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial infections, eliminating diseases like invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella. ## Products & Services - **VAX-31 (31-valent PCV)**: A broad-spectrum pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate in Phase 3 for adults and Phase 2 for infants. Designed to cover over 95% of circulating IPD serotypes in U.S. adults 50+ and ~94% in infants. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation granted. - **VAX-24 (24-valent PCV)**: A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate in Phase 2 for infants, designed to cover more serotypes than any infant PCV on the market today. - **VAX-A1 (Group A Strep)**: A preclinical conjugate vaccine candidate for Group A Strep, a disease with no currently approved vaccine. Phase 1 first-in-human study (adults) underway in Australia. - **VAX-GI (Shigella)**: A novel preclinical vaccine candidate targeting Shigella, a leading cause of diarrheal disease. - **Platform Technology**: A proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform that enables site-specific, carrier-sparing conjugation to produce precisely targeted vaccines with enhanced immunogenicity. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: ~$16.7 billion (as of early July 2026) - **Key Metric**: Total funding raised (private) is not applicable; as a public company, key metrics include cash position (~$2.0 billion as of Q1 2026) and R&D investment. The company is pre-revenue. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Major institutional investors include Baker Bros. Advisors, Fidelity, and funds managed by BlackRock. Key partnership: exclusive license agreement with Sutro Biopharma for its cell-free protein synthesis platform. - **Growth Signals**: - Up to $1 billion commitment to expanding U.S. manufacturing with a new facility in North Carolina. - VAX-31 Phase 3 program (OPUS-1, OPUS-2, OPUS-3) topline data expected Q4 2026 – H1 2027. - Headcount growth: actively hiring across 100+ roles (Analytical, Commercial, Clinical, Conjugation, Quality, Regulatory). - Recognized as a Great Place to Work and Best Workplace in BioPharma (multiple years). ## Competitive Advantages - **Broadest-spectrum PCV candidates**: VAX-31 is the broadest-spectrum pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the clinic, targeting up to 31 serotypes. - **Differentiated platform**: Cell-free protein synthesis allows for the creation of complex, high-fidelity vaccines that can overcome bacterial defense mechanisms (e.g., capsule-switching) that limit conventional cell-based vaccines. - **Carrier-sparing technology**: Site-specific conjugation enables a higher valency (more serotypes) without compromising immunogenicity or tolerability. - **Manufacturing scale**: Significant investment in U.S.-based production capacity provides a long-term supply chain advantage and aligns with "Investing in America" initiatives. ## Strategic Focus - **Primary**: Advance VAX-31 and VAX-24 through late-stage clinical trials to secure regulatory approval and establish a new standard of care for pneumococcal disease. - **Pipeline expansion**: Advance VAX-A1 (Group A Strep) and VAX-GI (Shigella) candidates through early clinical development. - **Manufacturing**: Scale up internal manufacturing capabilities to support commercial launch and global supply. - **Commercial readiness**: Building a commercial organization (e.g., hiring a VP of U.S. Market Access & Pricing, Senior Director of Product Launch) to prepare for potential VAX-31 launch. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Described as a "kindness-first" mindset with a focus on audacious goals, collaboration, and mutual support. Recognized as a *Great Place to Work* and *Best Workplace in BioPharma* (Fortune). - **Work Model**: Hybrid, Remote, and Onsite options available depending on role. San Carlos HQ offers a hybrid schedule. - **Total Rewards**: 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance; 401k matching; flexible PTO and holidays; paid parental and sick leave; equity awards (stock options & RSUs); Employee Stock Purchase Plan; lifestyle spending account; mental health and wellness resources. - **Growth & Development**: Strong emphasis on learning culture, professional advancement through coaching, and career development programs. - **Mission-driven**: Employees are directly contributing to creating vaccines that protect every child born and every adult at risk from bacterial infections globally. ## Sources 1. [vaxcyte.com](https://vaxcyte.com/) 2. [vaxcyte.com/careers](https://vaxcyte.com/careers/) 3. [vaxcyte.com/job-listings](https://vaxcyte.com/job-listings/) 4. [vaxcyte.com/culture](https://vaxcyte.com/culture/) 5. 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