Sr. Scientist, Analytical Development for Raw Materials

The Senior Scientist for Analytical Development for Raw Materials at Vaxcyte will be responsible for method development, sample testing, and data analysis. You will oversee method transfers to external labs and design studies to troubleshoot potential issues. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is vital, as is maintaining meticulous laboratory records. Additionally, you will be tasked with authoring analytical documents, contributing significantly to both pre-clinical and clinical projects.

To qualify for the Senior Scientist position at Vaxcyte, candidates should possess a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields, with 5-8 years of relevant industry experience, or an MS with at least 10 years or a BS with a minimum of 13 years in Pharma/Biotech. Extensive experience with a range of analytical techniques such as HPLC, ELISA, and LCMS is essential, alongside strong problem-solving abilities and effective communication skills.

A Senior Scientist at Vaxcyte will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that promotes collaboration and innovative thinking. The position is lab-based, requiring on-site presence, and emphasizes maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards. You will constantly work alongside other scientists and cross-functional teams, contributing to ambitious project timelines while experiencing the fulfillment that comes from impacting public health.

Candidates applying for the Senior Scientist role at Vaxcyte should be proficient in a variety of analytical techniques, including UV-Vis, HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, LCMS, and GCMS, among others. Familiarity with assays such as ELISA and Western Blot, as well as a strong ability to quickly learn new methodologies, is crucial for success in this role.

The Senior Scientist at Vaxcyte can expect a competitive compensation package that includes comprehensive benefits and potential equity options. While the salary range is positioned between $152,000 – $170,000 for the SF Bay Area, Vaxcyte ensures all candidates are appreciated and valued, reflecting a commitment to fostering a vibrant work culture focused on excellence.

In answering this question, be specific about the analytical methods you've led, such as HPLC, LCMS, or ELISA. Discuss your role in the development process, any challenges you faced during validation, and how you overcame them, including any unique troubleshooting approaches you employed.

When discussing collaboration, highlight the importance of clear communication. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with teams outside of your expertise, the strategies you employed to ensure all voices were heard, and how those collaborative efforts led to project success.

In this response, detail your familiarity with GLP and GMP standards. Provide examples of how you've implemented these standards in your previous work and the positive impact it had on the quality of the results and compliance with regulations.

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks, which may involve assessing project timelines, determining urgency, and maintaining flexibility. Illustrate with examples of how you successfully managed multiple projects and met deadlines without sacrificing quality.

When answering this, indicate your experience in authoring various analytical documents, such as protocols and reports. Discuss the importance of this documentation in ensuring clarity and reproducibility of experiments, and share any strategies you've used to maximize document effectiveness.

Share a specific example where you identified a significant analytical challenge, the approach you took to dissect the problem, and the steps you followed to resolve it. Emphasize the analytical techniques you employed and the final outcome to highlight your problem-solving skills.

Discuss the practices you follow to maintain accuracy, such as calibration of instruments, repeatability of tests, and thorough record-keeping. You might also emphasize your attention to detail and the checks and balances you implement to prevent errors.

Highlight your passion for scientific innovation and commitment to public health. Share personal anecdotes about what inspired you to pursue a career in vaccine development and how it aligns with Vaxcyte's mission to protect humankind.

Explain the ways you stay updated, like attending conferences, reading scientific journals, or participating in professional organizations. Show your commitment to lifelong learning and how you actively incorporate new knowledge into your work.

Emphasize the value of tailoring your communication to the audience. Discuss techniques such as using analogies, visuals, and clear data presentation, and provide examples of successful presentations to both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.