Senior Associate Scientist (Contract), Upstream Polysaccharide Process Development

About the role

The Development organization is comprised of four Process teams: Protein, Polysaccharide, Conjugate Drug Substance (Conjugation), and Drug Product. These Process Development teams are supported by Analytical Development and Formulation Development teams. Vaxcyte is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist (contract) with experience in microbial fermentation and upstream processing to join the Upstream Polysaccharide Process Development team.

Responsibilities

• Support in study design, execute, and analyze experiments for upstream polysaccharide for bacterial fermentation (BSL2) and vaccine production processes.
• Execute experiments to develop the upstream process parameters (e.g., media, feed, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, agitation, etc.) and to enhance product yield, quality, and consistency.
• Perform microbiology related work including plating, colony selection, Gram staining and cell enumeration on microscope.
• Perform fermentation vessel assembly and script writing for process automation and execute fermentation experiment in shake-flask and lab scale bioreactors.
• Prepare media and buffer as needed for experiments.
• Operate and maintain instrumentation for bacterial fermentation and primary recovery (centrifugation, filtration, etc.) of bacterial polysaccharides utilizing aseptic techniques.
• Support analytical method execution including optical density, residual metabolites and polysaccharide concentration and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Absorb and assist in executing process development studies.
• Keep accurate and current records of research and/or project related activities in laboratory notebooks and Electronic Lab Notebook.
• Prepare and review protocol, technical reports, SOPs, and batch records.
• Present and communicate scientific data and results to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional team members.
• Collaborate effectively with downstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams within Polysaccharide Development and Manufacturing team to ensure seamless technology transfer and process integration.

Requirements

• MSc in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or similar degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience, or BSc with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience in handling microorganisms with proper aseptic techniques to perform upstream processing related work in flasks/bioreactors.
• Hands-on experience and theoretical understanding of key processing operations such as microbial culture, fermentation process, microbial media, and process optimization and relevant analytical technologies; experience with depth filtration, continuous centrifugation is a plus.
• Develop and optimize scripts for instrumentation, including Ambr® systems, to enhance efficiency and automate processes, leveraging programming languages such as Python or R is a plus.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) principles and DoE software.
• Process characterization experience is a plus.
• Cell banking expertise, colony selection and genetic analysis of recombinant strains is a plus.
• Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and JMP.
• Working knowledge of GMP requirements.
• Proven ability to succeed in a cross-functional team environment, effectively managing multiple projects and contributing to team outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with excellent written and verbal communication abilities.