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Scientist (non-PhD), Cancer Epigenetics

Employer
Pfizer
Location
La Jolla, California
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jul 25, 2021

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ROLE SUMMARY

Pfizer's Oncology Research Unit (ORU) in La Jolla, California, is seeking a Scientist focused on translating basic discoveries in the field of cancer epigenetics into novel therapeutics.

Our ideal candidate will work within a collaborative team environment to perform laboratory-based research. The candidate will perform pre-clinical studies supporting translational development of our clinical candidates along with target discovery work using genetic and pharmacological methods. As a member of the group, this person will also be involved in studying mechanism-of-action, predictive biomarkers, potential new indications for asset expansion, rationale drug combinations to support translation in clinic etc. Candidate will be responsible for execution of pre-clinical studies independently and as part of a team, interpretation and presentation of data, and will function as an integral member of the team to advance our epigenetics oncology portfolio. The successful candidate will have experience in state-of-the-art techniques in epigenomic profiling (ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, histone biomarker profiling) as well as a basic understanding of epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties:

Work independently and as part of project teams to design, execute, analyze/interpret, and refine experiments ranging from molecular and cellular assays, in vitro and in vivo target modulation in model systems, in vitro pharmacology, biomarker assay development, and clinical sample analysis.

Depending upon the stage of project, specific duties to include:
  • Application of genetic and pharmacologic approaches to modulate drug targets in vitro and assess functional impact on cancer initiation and progression. This will include pharmacologic studies with small-molecule inhibitors, drug combinations, functional genomic techniques (CRISPR, RNAi), viral vector delivery, transfections for gene knock-out or overexpression and other approaches to modulate targets in vitro etc.
  • Generate engineered cell lines for primary and secondary pharmacology.
  • Execute secondary cell-based assays across various technology platforms - qPCR, ChIP, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, FACS, immunofluorescence, western blotting, ELISA, high content screening, etc.
  • Develop and apply complex in vitro assays for target validation and secondary pharmacology: spheroid models, colony forming assays, 3D co-culture systems.
  • Collaborate with in vivo pharmacology group for efficacy testing, PK/PD and pre-clinical PoC experiments.
  • In addition to efficacy testing, carry out supporting assays (ELISA, western blot, gene expression analysis of tissue lysates) to assess target modulation levels and downstream effects.
  • Use electronic data capture/analysis tools such as Excel, GraphPad, Biobook, Spotfire and PowerPoint for experimental documentation and data analysis/presentations.
  • Present research results and methodologies at weekly meetings with immediate supervisor, at Epigenetic team meetings, and with members of the oncology research unit as appropriate (example: project team meetings).
  • Contribute to building a culture that embraces scientific excellence, urgency, continuous learning and improvement, increasing technical skill base and cancer biology expertise; take a proactive role in personal growth and scientific development.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology (or a comparable biological science) with +6 years relevant experience
  • Extensive hands on experience with cell-based assays to monitor and analyze effects of target modulation (ELISA, ICW, FRET, Luminescence based assays).
  • Experience in functional genomics techniques (CRISPR, RNAi) for target assessment, generation of gene KO cell line models, reporter cell line models etc.
  • Must be able to work in a team environment, have excellent communication skills and be able to present data at project team meetings.
  • Ability to master new concepts and techniques quickly.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage projects in parallel.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • M.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology (or a comparable biological science) with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in molecular biology techniques for analysis of chromatin structure/function (ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq) and gene expression.


PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be able to wear standard PPE (lab coat/safety shoes/glasses/etc.)


OTHER JOB DETAILS:
  • Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus


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

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