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:
- Assist in performing chromatography experiments, including Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) using Cytiva AKTA Avant.
- Prepare and handle samples and buffers.
- Execute chromatography result analysis using SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, and UV spectrometry (NanoDrop).
- Support resin screening, buffer selection, and large-scale purification of proteins.

The Intern will learn and practice:
- The basic concepts of chromatography for protein purification and protein expression via the Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Platform.
- Practical experience in experimental design and data interpretation within biochemistry research.
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 2 years at university completed) or Master’s Degree with a focus on Biochemistry or related field.
• Completed at least one Biochemistry course, achieving a grade B or higher.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of research lab experience.
• 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. 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.