Summer Intern, Research

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:

Vaxcyte’s Summer Internship program offers students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience that complements their college curriculum with relevant hands-on work that can shape their future career pathing and interests. 

As a Research Intern for Vaxcyte, you will work on a project as outlined below:

- Grow multiple bacterial cultures per serotype at the shake flask scale, ensuring proper conditions for optimal growth.

- Perform acid hydrolysis and centrifugation on cell pellets, followed by dialysis and concentration of the supernatant to isolate polysaccharides.

- Assist with plate-based assays to determine polysaccharide and protein concentrations and prepare samples for advanced analysis to determine size and composition.

The Intern will learn and practice:

- Gain a foundational understanding of the molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry of surface polysaccharides on bacterial cell membranes, as well as their role in biotechnological processes.

- Develop practical lab skills in aseptic techniques, cell culture, and initial downstream processes, which are essential in any biotech laboratory setting.

Program Details:

• The Internship will begin in June or July and will be around 10 weeks (8 hours per day) in duration at our San Carlos, California location. 

Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree (enrolled student with at least 1 year at university completed) or Master’s Degree with a focus on Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of laboratory experience, with hands-on experience in cell culture required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. 
• Strong attention to detail and work quality.
• Demonstrates collaboration and teamwork.  
• Enthusiastic - shows curiosity and is eager to learn.
• Dedicated.

Reports to: Associate Scientist II, Research

Location: San Carlos, CA

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this position is $23-$26 per hour for undergraduate students and $30+/hr for graduate students. Actual pay will be determined based on year of university/college completed. The Summer Internship position will not be eligible for benefits. Relocation and housing stipend will not be offered.

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.