Skip to main content

This job has expired

Scientist - Next Generation Sequencing

Employer
Pfizer
Location
Groton, Connecticut
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 23, 2021

View more

Discipline
Health Sciences, Drug Development
Position Type
Full Time
Organization Type
All Industry, Pharma
ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a Research Scientist with strong interest and expertise in leveraging Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to advance our mRNA vaccines platform and to broaden and enhance our functional genomics capabilities. The successful candidate will join the Cellular, Genomic, and Protein Sciences (CGPS) group within Pfizer and will have an integral role in driving the application of directed evolution screening, nanopore sequencing, and RNA chemical mapping approaches to support the mRNA Vaccine program. Additionally, this individual will apply their NGS expertise to improve the efficiency of our CRISPR and RNAi screening efforts to identify novel targets and will implement higher-throughput RNASeq methods.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will join a team of scientists within the Cellular, Genomic, and Protein Sciences group (CGPS) that is responsible for a range of functions including target identification and validation, as well as the establishment of cellular models, protein reagents, and assays to help advance early discovery programs. This individual will apply strong expertise in NGS methods to advance our mRNA vaccine platforms. Specifically, the successful candidate will use NGS to enable our directed evolution platform and will apply nanopore sequencing and RNA chemical mapping approaches for various mRNA vaccine program needs. Additionally, this candidate will enable target ID efforts by applying NGS analysis to study hits emerging from CRISPR and RNAi screens and will work to implement higher-throughput/lower cost RNASeq methods.

Successful Candidates will be expected to:
  • Conduct all aspects of a typical NGS workflow from sample preparation, through to preparation and sequencing of NGS libraries, followed by data analysis.
  • Develop and execute experiments to identify hits from mutagenesis and/or perturbation screens (CRISPR or RNAi) using Next Generation Sequencing. This includes RNA/DNA isolation, quantification and QC, library preparation, sequencing, and partnering with computational scientists to analyze the data.
  • Apply Nanopore sequencing for accurate sequence analysis on longer RNA fragments.
  • Use sequencing to enable RNA structure studies through RNA chemical mapping approaches.
  • Evolve our transcriptomics capabilities by implementing higher-throughput methods such as 3' RNA pooled sequencing.
  • Oversee the maintenance of sequencing equipment and any associated automated liquid handling systems.
  • Help to identify, evaluate, and, where applicable, implement novel methods or technologies that would enhance workflow efficiencies and/or improve the quality of cell reagent deliverables.
  • Through partnership with bioinformatics colleagues, analyze and interpret data, prepare cogent data summaries, and communicate results to partners in the Research Units and Partner Lines.
  • Maintain up-to-date electronic laboratory notebooks and records in accordance with Pfizer policy, and ensure proper archiving of banked cell vials.
  • Be highly motivated, organized and show ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS or MS with 2-5 years relevant laboratory experience required
  • Hands-on experience working with the preparation and sequencing of NGS libraries.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct NGS workflows from sample isolation through to data analysis as well as QC and trouble shoot for each step.
  • Experience with RNA/DNA isolation, including basic proficiency with cell culture.
  • Expertise in the application of standard molecular biology methods including the isolation and quantification of DNA/RNA, RT-PCR, ddPCR, standard PCR, primer/probe design, western blotting, flow cytometry, and gene cloning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with nanopore sequencing, 3' RNASeq, and/or RNA chemical probing (with SHAPE reagents or equivalent)
  • Previous hands-on experience with plate-based robotic automation for RNA/DNA isolation and QC, and/or library preparation is desirable but not required.
  • Prior experience and knowledge of directed evolution and/or pooled CRISPR/RNAi screening workflows is a plus.
  • Previous experience in RNA in vitro production and purification


PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking. Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer (while standing or sitting). Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret data.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimal, if any travel related to this position. Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Pearl River, NY site to meet project team members.

Candidate must comply with laboratory safety practices.
Relocation support available

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

Get job alerts

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

Create alert