Sample Management Specialist (Contract) (Biotech)

Location: San Carlos, California, United States; onsite at least 4–5 days per week

Hourly range: $49–$54 per hour

Company

Vaxcyte is a biotechnology organization developing vaccine-related products and capabilities.

What you will do

• Receive shipments, verify packing lists and sample identities, inspect sample integrity, and document discrepancies.
• Register and maintain sample records in Benchling, LIMS, or approved tracking systems.
• Label, store, retrieve, and distribute samples across 2–8°C, -20°C, and -80°C controlled environments.
• Maintain inventory, movement logs, chain-of-custody records, retained sample tracking, and controlled disposal activities.
• Support deviation investigations, temperature excursion reviews, discrepancy resolution, audits, inspections, and QA oversight.
• Collaborate with Analytical and Process Development, Materials Management, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related life sciences discipline, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or clinical laboratory setting.
• Foundational knowledge of GMP and/or GLP, SOPs, Good Documentation Practices, and data integrity.
• Experience with refrigerated, frozen, and/or ultra-low-temperature sample storage.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, written and verbal communication, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work onsite in San Carlos at least 4–5 days per week.

Nice to have

• Experience with Benchling, LIMS, or comparable electronic sample and laboratory tracking systems.
• Exposure to deviation or CAPA processes and related documentation.
• Experience suggesting process improvements while following approved SOPs.
• Familiarity with biohazardous material handling and associated safety requirements.

Culture & Benefits

• Cross-functional collaboration with laboratory, QA, materials management, and operations teams.
• Work in a regulated biotechnology environment with emphasis on compliance, traceability, and audit readiness.
• Contract engagement expected to last 12 months.
• Safe handling practices for temperature-controlled and potentially biohazardous materials are required.