Senior Associate Scientist (Computational) Process Modeling and Engineering Technology, Drug Product

ROLE SUMMARY

Work as an integral member of the Drug Product Design team, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medicinal, to develop computational models that support the design and manufacture of drug products (tablets, capsules, ointments/creams, mutliparticulate beads, etc.). Leverage your skills programming and data analysis to implement data-management and informatics strategy. In this role, you will use scientific/engineering software packages (e.g., DEM, CFD, FEM, etc.) and programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Matlab, Pipeline Pilot, etc. to develop predictive models, process and analyze data from multiple sources, and conduct experiments to support your predictions.

You should have an excellent understanding of fundamental engineering concepts (e.g., mass, momentum, energy conservation; thermodynamics, etc.) and a strong background in mathematics (e.g., algebra, calculus, computation, algorithms and numerical methods, probability and statistics). You must also be a competent programmer: experience with numerical methods and high-performance computing environment is preferred. Applicants must have Bachelors or higher degree in Engineering or Sciences, such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Engineering Physics, Computer Science, Pharmaceutics, or other related disciplines.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Pfizer scientists to develop understanding of processes used in dosage form manufacture (tablets, capsules, microsphere beads, ointments/creams, etc.) and apply computational tools in support of formulation and process design, optimization, and troubleshooting, and dosage form quality attributes.
• Learn and apply a variety of modeling tools and techniques related to modeling powder flows and fluid flows. Techniques include: discrete element modeling (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element method (FEM), engineering models, CAD/CAE, statistical models, etc.
• Programming and informatics (data analysis/ data sciences) support to implement numerical models, post-processing, data analysis, and data visualization. Programming languages include Python, C/C++, Matlab, R, Spotfire (for visualization), etc. Work with Pfizer's high-performance computing environment (Linux/Unix based).
• Implement computational models using web-based approaches into Pfizer workflows. Work with project scientists to generate and utilize modeling predictions for their projects.
• Communicate and present results internally at meetings and, on occasion, at external forums.
• Build a strong understanding of granular, fluid, and multiphase flows and pharmaceutical unit operations, and apply knowledge to support advancement of predictive sciences at Pfizer.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree or Bachelors degree + 2 years' experience in Engineering or Sciences, such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Engineering Physics, Computer Science, Pharmaceutics, or other related disciplines.
• High competence in programming to implement numerical models, post-processing, data analysis, and data visualization. Programming languages include Matlab, Python, C/C++, R, etc. Experience with a high-performance computing environment (Linux/Unix based cluster).
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals applicable to pharmaceutical applications. Understanding of fluid mechanics, mass, momentum, and energy transfer (based on coursework and/or research); knowledge of granular and multiphase flows preferred. Ability to convert real problems to a system of equations, then compute solutions.
• Exposure to one or more modeling tools and techniques related to modeling powder flows and fluid flows. Techniques include: discrete element modeling (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element method (FEM), process modeling (e.g., gPROMS, Aspen, Comsol), engineering models, CAD/CAE, statistical models, etc.
• Data management and analysis skills or willingness to learn, including SQL, Python data analysis, Spotfire, understanding of databases and structured data formats.
• Excellent communication skills to present results internally at meetings and, on occasion, at external forums.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with Pfizer scientists to develop and apply computational tools to support manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage products (tablets, capsules, microsphere beads, ointments/creams, etc.).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity or knowledge of pharmaceutical unit operations (e.g., powder blending, granulation, compression, coating, sprays, emulsification) preferred but not essential.
• Research project or professional experience with modeling tools and techniques related to modeling powder flows and fluid flows. Techniques can include: discreteelement modeling (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element method (FEM), process modeling (e.g., gPROMS, Aspen, Comsol), engineering models, CAD/CAE, statistical models, etc.
• Strong understanding of granular flows and multiphase flows, either through research or advanced coursework.
• Demonstrate expertise in programming and numerical methods, data analysis, and data visualization. Programming languages include Matlab, Python, C/C++, R, etc. Examples of advanced programming courses and/or programming-intensive projects desirable.

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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.

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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

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