Principal Scientist, Vaccine Development

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

What You Will Achieve

As a Principal Scientist, you will be at the center of our operations and you'll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. This position is within Vaccine Research and Development - Analytical Development group. You will be expected to provide strong hands-on technical leadership, guidance and day-to-day supervision to a group of colleagues responsible for analytical support of early phase vaccine programs. Primary methodologies include molecular biology based techniques such as but not limited to ddPCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction and cloning, gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing, CGE and nucleic acid analysis by HPLC . In addition, you will be responsible for the development of analytical methods for vaccine candidates, method qualification, assay transfer and in-process support. You will contribute to the development of assay control strategies and resource prioritization.

You will be recognized as a technical expert and a significant scientific contributor. With your deep knowledge of the discipline, you will regularly contribute at the therapeutic area level and can represent the department on multidisciplinary teams. You will be using your scientific judgment to adapt standard methods and techniques by applying prior work experience. You will undertake mentoring activities to guide team members.

It is your hard work and commitment that will make Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe.

How You Will Achieve It

• Manage a group of scientists within Vaccine Research and Development - Analytical Development whose focus is on analytical assay development and analysis of various antigens used in vaccines under development.
• Independently design and execute analytical assays (30-40% time on the bench) and/or direct assigned staff in development, qualification and transfer of assays for testing/characterization of vaccine samples.
• Primary methodologies include molecular biology based techniques such as but not limited to ddPCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction and cloning, gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing, CGE and nucleic acid analysis by HPLC.
• Collaborate as necessary with appropriate colleagues and leaders within Vaccines and across other departments to understand the nature and approaches of the assays to be developed, qualified and transferred.
• Plan and coordinate assigned resources to ensure the timely execution of sample analysis to support vaccine development, as well as the release, stability and characterization testing of vaccine candidates for pre-clinical development.
• Supervise assigned staff including setting objectives, performance management, and work assignments.
• Manage and assist reporting scientists in the prioritization of their work to ensure timelines are met.
• Closely work with management to define long term strategies for the group. Represent the Analytical and Formulation Development group in relevant project team meetings within Vaccine Research and Development.
• Establish and utilize new technologies, where required, to enhance our characterization toolbox and understanding about the vaccines being developed.
• Author and review technical documents including laboratory methods and reports.
• Contribute and participate in general laboratory maintenance activities (such as maintenance of equipment, managing laboratory waste).

Qualifications

Must-Have

• PhD in Molecular Biology or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of academic, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology experience or an MS plus 10 years of related work experience is required.
• Demonstrated abilities with molecular biology to sufficiently characterize vaccine samples.
• Proficiency and ability to develop analytical and bioanalytical assays for characterization of biomolecules using a range of analytical and bioassay techniques as well as sound understanding of ICH guidelines are a must.
• Breadth of knowledge of different areas of science, awareness of new technologies, and familiarity with current issues to apply novel and innovative approaches to problem solving.
• Strong analytical skills are vital.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing scientists are required.
• Strong verbal and written communication as well as excellent documentation skills are required.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in molecular biology techniques including but not limited to: qPCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction and cloning, gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing , CGE and nucleic acid analysis by HPLC

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standard laboratory conditions - sitting, standing, lab based 30-40% of the time.

Other Job Details:

• Last Date to Apply for Job: November 30, 2020
• Eligible for Relocation Package: YES
• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus: YES

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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