Associate Director, Biological Raw Material Validation at Vaxcyte, Inc.

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:

*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.

*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.

*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 looking for an accomplished, driven, energetic and pragmatic leader with extensive hands-on analytical development and validation experience, to join Vaxcyte’s Analytical Development & QC organization as Associate Director (AD) of Biological Raw Material Method Validation and QC Lead.
 
This pivotal role will lead method qualification/validation and oversee all QC activities in a complex network of approximately 10 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). These biological raw materials encompass a diverse range, including, enzymes, complex cell extracts, plasmid DNAs, and more—a list that continues to expand. Consequently, there is a broad scope of analytical technologies used, and expertise with analytical methods used in assays for these biological raw materials or the ability to quickly adapt to them is crucial.
 
This position reports directly to the Sr Director of QC.
Essential Functions:

• Responsible for all deliverables of biological raw material method qualification/validation used in intermediates, DS and DP for various projects in the Vaxcyte pipeline.
• Contribute to and implement the high-level method qualification and validation strategy decided by CMC executive team. Accountable and responsible for implementing the detailed method qualification and validation strategy with the CMOs and CTLs.
• Collaborate with Analytical Development and interface with key stakeholders to determine when a biological raw material method is suitable for method qualification/validation. Review and evaluate method development data, reports, and documents to be transferred to CMOs, provide technical and compliance feedback to internal and external stakeholders who have developed the analytical methods.
• Collaborate with CDMOs to design an effective method qualification / validation plan, and lead method qualification /validation activities to ensure campaign readiness. May need to author method qualification / validation protocols and reports.
• Review and approve biological raw material test methods, method qualification / validation protocols and reports, and responsible for the accuracy and compliance of these documents. The average number of documents to be reviewed per week is 30-40.
• Accountable for execution of method implementation, validation, and transfer and responsible for supportive processes including sample planning, scheduling, documentation, compliance / technical review and scientific interpretation of data to ensure the successful validation / qualification / transfer of methods.
• Responsible for quality event management (deviations, investigations, change control) related to method qualification / validation.
• Manage outsourced GMP testing at CDMOs.
• Support audit, inspections, and health authority responses.
• Guide and work with others to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement solutions. 

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field with 7+ years relevant industry experience; MS or BS with 12+ years of industry experience in Pharma / Biotech industry required.
• Demonstrate sound decision-making skills and exhibit good judgment. Make decision with an understanding of the strategic context and short- and long-term impact of decisions on other departments or functional areas.
• Successful track record of analytical method transfer, trouble shooting and validation.
• Have solid understanding of principles of various analytical technology used for analysis of biological raw materials including DNAs, proteins, and other large molecules.
• Result oriented; good judgment in directing attention and effort across competing priorities, especially when resource constrained; implements “best practices” or leading-edge quality standards.
• Ability to manage project resource requirements (material, manpower, time, etc.), and to elevate relevant issues to analytical lead and line-management.
• Solid understanding of product development activities in biotech/drug/vaccine development, including key interdependencies, and knowledge of proven development strategies and tactics.
• Solid understanding of relevant FDA, EU, and ICH regulatory guidelines as applicable to analytical method qualification/validation for biological raw materials, and retest period.
• Demonstrate ability of applying regulatory guidance to formulate practical solutions and strategy for phase appropriate analytical method validation and transfer with a focus on biological raw materials.
• Ability to work globally with CMOs in different countries and continents.
• Self-starter and resourceful problem solver, and able to move up learning curve independently and map out intermediate milestones to achieve project goals.
• Experience in IND, NDA and BLA submission is highly preferred.
• Extensive technical writing experience in drafting analytical method validation and transfer protocols, reports, and method SOPs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written formats.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and collaborate effectively with other team members.

Reports to: Senior Director, Quality Control, Raw Material and Polysaccharide
 
Location: San Carlos, CA
 
Compensation:
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.
 
Salary Range: $190,000 – $197,000