Skip to main content

This job has expired

Senior Scientist - Protein Homeostasis

Employer
Pfizer
Location
Groton, Connecticut
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Apr 27, 2023

View more

Discipline
Health Sciences, Drug Development
Position Type
Full Time
Job Type
Senior Scientist
Organization Type
Pharma
ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative and skilled individual with strong expertise in molecular, cellular biology and Protein Homeostasis biology to join our Cellular, Genomic, and Protein Sciences (CGPS) group within Pfizer. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving the strategy and implementing novel hit ID and triage approaches to enable our monovalent protein degrader platform to advance our early pre-clinical portfolio. This platform focuses on the development of molecules that harness the cellular endogenous protein homeostasis pathways to target disease-relevant proteins for degradation. As part of the early discovery group, the individual will have opportunities to partner with a cross-disciplinary team of scientists to develop and apply execution strategies for programs across different disease areas.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will join a team of scientists within the larger Discovery Sciences Department to support drug discovery efforts focused on modulating protein homeostasis. These efforts range from targeted protein degradation with chimeric molecules that hi-jack E3 ligases, discovery of molecular glue compounds, and direct targeting of known protein homeostasis targets. The core focus for this role will be in the area of small molecule molecular glue discovery. The successful individual will apply his/her/their strong background in cell biology, assays and targeted protein degradation to enable rationale monovalent degrader development. This effort will rely on the candidate to develop and apply a broad suite of assays which include various protein level assays, induced protein-protein interaction (PPI) assays, proteomics and proximity-labeling, as well as functional genomic screens, all with the goal of driving the discovery and development of novel monovalent degrader small molecules for targets across various disease areas.

This individual will collaborate across multiple groups and will be asked to contribute to target discovery, design of assays and screening funnels to optimize program progression. Additionally, he/she/they will maintain a strong and current knowledge base in the Ubiquitin-Proteasome system and E3 ligase biology to guide the development of novel and innovative approaches that will help us advance this new drug discovery platform.

Successful candidates will be expected to:
  • Apply functional genomics and methods to evaluate protein homeostasis pathways regulating targets of interest.
  • Work closely with our proteomics team to apply protein profiling methods and proximity labelling approaches to study targets and molecules of interest.
  • Conduct cellular assays to quantify changes in protein levels, such as Western blotting, HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD, ELISA, and immunofluorescence, etc.
  • Apply a broad range of cell-based assays aimed at evaluating target engagement, induced PPI/ternary complex formation, and downstream signaling pathway endpoints.
  • Be proficient in designing experiments to address key scientific questions and demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret experimental results, and to communicate these results effectively to program teams.
  • Lead efforts to identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies and methods that can advance efforts in developing monovalent protein degrader molecules.
  • Promote Pfizer's capabilities and reputation through external publications and presentations.
  • Maintain up to date electronic laboratory notebooks and records in accordance with Pfizer policy.
  • Comply with all safety training and good laboratory practices.
  • Be highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Show significant ability to work effectively in a matrixed, team-oriented environment.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • PhD or equivalent in biomedical research or biotech/pharma with 1-4 years of relevant experience.
  • Current and strong knowledge in the area of proteasome-dependent/independent Targeted Protein Degradation.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in designing experiments to address key scientific questions and demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret experimental results, and to communicate these results effectively to program teams.
  • Strong assay development skills in the areas of gene and protein expression, target engagement, signaling pathway read-outs, induced PPI and ternary complex formation.
  • Proficient in standard methods for cell characterization including mRNA and protein analysis including qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, and FACs.
  • Experience with troubleshooting technical assays and protocols.
  • Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated examples of personal and scientific leadership
  • Have a sustained track record of delivering high quality data meeting the needs of teams.
  • Ability to multi-task and to balance bench and desk activities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Expertise in the areas of E3 ligase biology, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and other aspects of protein homeostasis.
  • Experience in quantitative proteomics techniques and functional genomics approaches will be highly preferred.
  • Deep knowledge in oncology/immune-oncology is a plus.
  • Experience in the development of engineered cell lines, including the use of CRISPR technologies.


NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • Travel mostly restricted to occasional trips to Cambridge, MA, or less frequently, to La Jolla, CA to partner with Research Unit project teams and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences.
  • Compliance with laboratory safety practices.


Other Job Details
Relocation support available

\n

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

\n

Pfizer requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Pfizer will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.

Research and Development

#LI-PFE

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert