Vice President, Medical Affairs

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, periodontitis 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 seeking a VP, Medical Affairs to build and lead our global medical affairs team. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing the global medical strategy (initially focused on the US market), ensuring alignment with global objectives, and supporting the commercialization of our vaccines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of vaccines, strong leadership skills, and a track record of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.  Reporting to the Executive Vice President & COO, the VP, Medical Affairs will lead the medical affairs team to advance the pipeline of vaccine candidates from preclinical stages through to commercialization and post marketing.

• Provide leadership in the development and execution of the medical affairs strategy design and the needed capabilities for building a medical affairs team.
• Build, lead and develop a medical organization to support product development, launch and commercialization needs.
• Evaluate the scientific and clinical viability of potential prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, assess their commercial potential, and provide crucial input during product development.
• Provide medical expertise and guidance to support business development activities, including licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.
• Monitor and analyze emerging trends in vaccines to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with research, development, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams to integrate medical and scientific insights into product development, evidence generation and access strategies aligned with clinical needs and market demands.
• Provide medical insights and guidance to the organization, develop and deliver medical education programs.
• Work with Commercial and Market Access teams to define and execute market access strategies.

• Develop and lead Key Opinion Leader outreach by establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key opinion leaders, academic institutions, and medical societies in the field of vaccines.
• Serve as a bridge with external stakeholders, including health and regulatory agencies, key opinion leaders, physicians, patient advocacy groups, and potential collaborators.
• Oversee the development and execution of medical education programs, advisory boards, and scientific symposia.
• Drive the generation and dissemination of scientific data through publications, presentations, and other communication channels.
• Represent Vaxcyte in scientific forums, conferences, and industry associations.

• Drive the generation and dissemination of scientific data for Vaxcyte’s innovative technology and products.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and developments in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in areas relevant to bacterial infectious diseases.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and integrity within the medical and clinical affairs team.
• Collaborate with global medical affairs, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams to support product launches and lifecycle management.

• Medical Doctor (MD) degree with board certification in a relevant specialty (e.g., internal medicine, infectious disease) preferred.  PharmD. or PhD with long-term experience in leading a medical affairs team within vaccines will be considered.
• 20+ years of demonstrated track record of leadership in medical affairs within the vaccine, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with experience overseeing successful commercialization.
• Established network with US Key Opinion Leaders and influencers is essential. Global network is desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to plan and execute medical strategies and excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of building, developing, and managing high-performing teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a commitment to driving scientific and clinical innovation.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing collaborations with external partners.

Reports to: Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Location: San Carlos, CA

Compensation:

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

Salary Range: $343,000 – $398,000 (SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.

Vaxcyte, Inc.

825 Industrial Road, Suite 300

San Carlos, CA 94070

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.