Senior Scientist, Structural Biology (Cryo-EM)

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development (R&D) 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. At Pfizer R&D Groton campus, we have an open position at the Senior Scientist level for a Cryo-EM Structural Biologist in the Structural and Molecular Sciences (SMS) group in Discovery Sciences. The SMS group is an integrated and highly collaborative team with technical expertise in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, and structure-based drug design (SBDD). We actively collaborate with project teams across multiple therapeutic areas including Immunology & Inflammation, Internal Medicine, Vaccines, and Rare Diseases, with a focus spanning both soluble and membrane proteins as well as protein complexes. We operate with a mission to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world by providing integrated molecular insights into therapeutic targets, lead molecules, and protein-ligand interactions.

What You Will Achieve

You will be a highly innovative and collaborative scientist with a desire to pursue challenging biomolecular targets for SBDD by cryo-EM. You will have deep knowledge of different aspects of structure determination by cryo-EM including sample preparation, data collection, data processing using state-of-the-art software, and 3-D reconstruction. You will be recognized as a technical expert and a scientific contributor and will undertake mentoring activities for team members who are seeking to grow and develop in cryo-EM. You will be instrumental in expanding cryo-EM capabilities in SMS. Your creativity in construct engineering and in-depth understanding of target biochemistry will be tapped frequently to enable cryo-EM approaches for novel targets. You will have opportunities to impact critical drug discovery programs across Pfizer's portfolio.

How You Will Achieve It

• Execute gene to structure and SBDD project for novel drug targets by cryo-EM.
  
• Design protein constructs and strategies for functional protein or protein complex purification.
  
• Independently undertake cryo-EM studies of a broad range of therapeutic targets of interest. The proposed work will involve all aspects of single particle EM studies including preparation of suitable grids, analysis by negative staining, cryo-EM data collection, 3D-reconstruction, and refinement.
  
• Remain current in the cryo-EM field, provide training, consultation, and guidance to junior colleagues for EM studies and serve as a valuable resource for the entire department.
  
• Remain current in published literature and apply new findings to address project challenges.
  
• Partner with other scientists within and beyond SMS on multidisciplinary drug discovery teams, contribute to biochemistry or biophysics-based hit identification, validation, target engagement, and mechanistic studies.
  
• Consistently record your experimental results in an electronic laboratory notebook and comply with all Pfizer safety policies.
  

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Doctoral degree in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, or related field.
  
• >2 years of cryo-EM postdoctoral research experience in academia or industry.
  
• Strong documented research experience in protein engineering and purification of tough targets for successful structure determination by cryo-EM.
  
• Expert level knowledge of design and conduct state-of-the-art single particle cryo-EM experiments, leading to a strong track record of successful outcomes with publications in top tier journals.
  
• Working knowledge in molecular biology and various biophysical methods and biochemical assays.
  
• Independent and creative scientist with strong interpersonal skills to thrive in a highly collaborative environment.
  
• Ability to deliver results on goals in a fast-paced, dynamic and highly multi-tasking environment
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with x-ray crystallography is a plus
  
• Experience with methods for successful purification of integral membrane proteins
  

Additional Job Information:

• Last Date to Apply is November 1, 2021
  
• Relocation support available
  
• Eligible for employee referral bonus
  

#LI-PFE

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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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