QC Analyst - Biophysics/Molecular Biology

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

The successful applicant will have significant experience in viral vector quality control (QC) related to molecular biology and next generation sequencing. The position is heavily focused on benchwork primarily performing QC and next-gen sequencing (NGS) of plasmids and viral vectors and the applicant should have a desire to continue in a laboratory-focused role. This position will join a larger team of scientists across multiple sites focused on advancing Pfizer's gene therapy platform. The scientist will be a key member of the QC team that will support the production of viral constructs through assays including: NGS, qPCR, DNA content assessment, endotoxin testing and protein analytics (CE-SDS, silver staining, iCE). The scientist will be responsible for working with fellow colleagues to perform standard QC assays in a reproducible and timely fashion.

How You Will Achieve It

• Develop and perform NGS method for plasmids and viral DNA vectors.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and run next-generation sequencers.
• Validate and perform qPCR assay and profile AAV-packaged genome.
• Implement new methods and equipment based on manufacturer's instructions.
• Take the initiative to solve scientific problems and contribute to their resolution. Able to work in a fast-paced team environment with changing priorities. Works under minimal supervision.
• Pay close attention to experimental details, generate robust and consistent results. Manages time and workload efficiently.
• Evaluate data and provide clear reports that will be shared and transferred to and from cross-functional teams.
• Support laboratory activities by monitoring lab equipment and maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor's with 2+ years or a Master's with 1+ years of research experience in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Virology, or equivalent field.
• Demonstrated capabilities in molecular biology and biophysical assays: NGS, qPCR, DNA purification/analysis and protein analysis.
• Experience with aseptic technique, strong quantitative bench skills, experience in quality control assays for viral production, purification, and quantification.
• Able and willing to learn new procedures and techniques.
• Applicants should be self-motivated, organized, capable of working independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task concurrent project demands, while maintaining exceptional attention to detail as well as organization.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office required e.g. MS Word and MS Excel.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with next gen sequencing using PacBio long-read sequencing and/or Illumina platform.
• Experience with QC of viral vectors for gene therapy (i.e. qPCR, e-Gel, TapeStation).
• Experience with bioinformatic processes to evaluate next-generation sequencing data, sequencing analysis software, and large dataset processing.
• General knowledge of AAV.
• Able to communicate effectively to all levels of the organization.

Relocation support available

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.

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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