Sr. Data Scientist, Polysaccharide Process 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, 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:

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 looking for a Sr Data Scientist to be responsible for spearheading data initiatives within our Polysaccharide process development team. The candidate will be responsible fordata strategy development and management, lead development project activities for statistical modelling, and other advanced analytical techniques to extract insights from complex biological processes. The candidate will also lead development activities for implementation of computational tools and technologies to monitor and control fermentation processes. The candidate will support process automation implementation to ensure process quality and efficiencies. In addition, this person will lead and mentor junior scientists and research associates and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project goals and timelines. This is a key role for the Polysaccharide team which will require someone who is creative, flexible and can adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions:

• Subject matter expert on data strategy development and management. Oversee the collection, storage, and maintenance of large datasets, ensuring data integrity and compliance with Vaxcyte standards.
• Data-driven predictive modeling. Lead development projects using advanced machine learning models by predicting biological process parameters, understand process trends and risks, identify process inefficiencies, and enhance operational efficiency and control strategy.
• Advanced analytics. Utilize machine learning, statistical modelling, and other advanced analytical techniques to extract insights from complex biological data.
• Raman spectroscopy. Lead process development activities including data collection, model training & evaluation for implementation of Raman spectroscopy based predictive models and tech transfer to the manufacturing network for PAT.
• Computational tools. Lead process development activities for implementation of computational tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models to simulate bioreactor process parameters for improving fermentation process efficiency.
• Process automation implementation. Support development activities for implementation of automated systems/unit of operation to ensure performance consistency and precision, enhancing process quality and efficiencies.
• Bioinformatic tool. Experience with bioinformatics software and tools as well as Knowledge of genomics, proteomics, and other omics technologies for data interpretation is a plus.
• ·Prepare and review technical reports, SOPs, batch records, and regulatory documents.
• Lead and supervise junior scientists and research associates and provide technical guidance and troubleshooting.
• Present and communicate scientific data and results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with downstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams within Polysaccharide development and manufacturing team to ensure seamless technology transfer and process integration.
• Be an outstanding teammate and collaborate across groups both internal and external (CMO) to Vaxcyte. 

Requirements:

• PhD in Data Science, Computational Biology or similar degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience in Data Science, or MS with 9+ years or BA/BS with 13+ years of relevant industry experience. 
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, etc.
• Expertise in development and implementation of advance fermentation process monitoring such as Raman spectroscopy.
• Expertise on script writing and development activities for process/equipment automation implementation.
• Expertise in bioprocessing prediction modelling such as CFD model for fermentation process optimization, scale-down, scale-up of microbial fermentation.
• Good understanding of Bioinformatic tools to support relevant genomics and proteomics process development activities is a plus.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in data analysis and statistical software such as JMP or Design Expert.

Reports to: Director, Upstream Polysaccharide Process Development

Location: San Carlos, CA

Compensation:

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

Salary Range: $152,000 – $170,000

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.