Scientist II, Upstream Development for Protein Development and Manufacturing at Vaxcyte

Department: Protein

Compensation

$146,000 – $171,000/yr

Setup: On-site
Location: San Carlos, California
Type: Full-time
Level: mid
Posted: Jun 29, 2026

Description

Vaxcyte is hiring a Scientist II for its Upstream Process Development group to design and execute hypothesis-driven bacterial fermentation studies that improve cell growth, protein expression, product quality, process robustness, and scalability. The role uses Design of Experiments, statistical analysis, scale-down modeling, feeding strategies, and bioreactor control to translate upstream process knowledge into technical readiness for clinical and commercial manufacturing. It requires a PhD, MS, or BA/BS with substantial relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience, strong microbial physiology and fermentation expertise, and is based onsite in San Carlos, California.

Required Skills

Microbial physiology
Bacterial fermentation
Design of Experiments
Statistical analysis
Bioreactor design
Fed-batch fermentation
Aseptic technique
JMP

Additional Information

Minimum Education: PhD, MS, or BA/BS with relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience
Required Previous Experiences: 2-5 years of experience for PhD candidates, 7 years for MS candidates, or 10 years for BA/BS candidates in relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience
Hands-on laboratory-scale bacterial fermentation studies
Design of Experiments and statistical analysis experience
Bioreactor design, operation, and control experience
Aseptic technique
Scientific writing and publication experience
Regulatory process characterization and validation experience
Preferred Qualifications: High-throughput Ambr® 250 systems
Primary recovery operations knowledge
Late-stage process characterization experience
Translation Company Name: Vaxcyte

About Vaxcyte

Vaxcyte

vaccine innovationSan Carlos, CA

Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company dedicated to eliminating bacterial infections, including invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep and Shigella. Its approach uses advanced chemistry and modern synthetic techniques, including a cell-free protein synthesis platform, to produce vaccines. Vaxcyte says it is investing up to $1 billion in expanding U.S. manufacturing, with new vaccine production in North Carolina.