Scientist I (Contract), Analytical Development

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 has an exciting opportunity for an energetic and talented individual to join our Analytical Development team. The Scientist I, Analytical Development, is responsible for executing analytical testing and contributing to analytical method development activities for biologics/vaccine development programs. This role performs routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques, supports method optimization and troubleshooting efforts, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives with moderate supervision while partnering effectively with cross-functional teams. The position requires demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience, strong technical execution, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently plan and execute assigned work, analyze and interpret data, and escalate and/or drive investigations as needed. This role authors and maintains clear technical documentation, including method protocols, method development summaries, and SOPs, and communicates experimental results and conclusions to internal stakeholders. Essential Functions: Method Development & Troubleshooting Contribute to method development, optimization, and qualification/validation readiness activities. Design and execute experiments to evaluate critical method parameters and define appropriate system suitability and control strategies. Troubleshoot assay and instrument performance issues using a structured approach; interpret data to identify likely root causes, implement corrective actions, and document outcomes and recommendations. Support and/or execute method transfer activities, including protocol preparation, training support, execution at receiving labs, and resolution of transfer issues. Author and revise analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports; ensure clear documentation of experimental rationale, results, and conclusions for internal review and stakeholder communication. Team Collaboration Partner effectively with cross-functional teams to define analytical plans, meet project timelines, and deliver high-quality outputs. Communicate experimental progress, data interpretation, and emerging risks clearly; propose mitigation plans and align next steps with stakeholders. Contribute to a compliant, safety-focused, and scientifically rigorous lab culture, model good documentation practices and data integrity expectations. Analytical Testing & Data Generation Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using modern analytical methods (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, SEC, CE, UV-Vis, ELISA, electrophoresis, plate-based assays, and other biochemical/biophysical techniques). Execute assays in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, and applicable