Senior Scientist, Oncology--Enzymology

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that improve patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose where we translate science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in discovery, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will be a key contributor to our mission of bringing best in class medicines to patients around the world.

What You Will Achieve

The Oncology Research Division in La Jolla, California is seeking a motivated and innovative Scientist to join the Enzymology group within the Biochemistry and Quantitative Pharmacology Department. The successful candidate will provide their expertise in biochemistry/ mechanistic enzymology to enable the advancement of pre-clinical programs within the Pfizer Oncology portfolio. They will gain in-depth, hands-on experience in cutting-edge drug discovery from target validation to clinical candidate nomination on diverse targets relevant to cancer.

How You Will Achieve It

• Act as the Biochemistry lead on 1-2 research project teams
  
• Develop and execute strategies to address key biochemical questions facing project teams
  
• Apply deep understanding of mechanistic enzymology to understand enzyme drug targets. This includes studies related to enzyme function, regulation and specificity, determination of enzyme mechanism of action, inhibitor mechanism of action and protein/ligand SAR
  
• Develop robust, automated biochemical assays to support drug discovery in the context of the project team
  
• Work collaboratively with scientists in the context of the project team to develop first-in-class medicines
  
• Mentor/train other scientists
  
• Actively participate on multi-disciplinary project teams. Contribute to the understanding of the biochemistry/biology of the target, contribute to strategy discussions and decision making and effectively communicate results to the team
  
• Build an internal and external reputation through presentations and publications
  

Qualifications

Must-Have

• PhD in Biochemistry or related discipline with 0-5 years relevant post-graduate experience
  
• A passion for enzyme kinetics and experience investigating enzyme mechanisms
  
• A track record of independent research evidenced by publications in top-tier journals
  
• The ability and desire to effectively collaborate within a matrixed and diverse environment
  
• Excellent organizational skills with outstanding verbal and written communication
  
• Strong self-motivation, can work independently and within a team
  
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude with the desire to help others
  
• Interest in expanding their own scientific knowledge and skills
  

Nice-to-Have

• Experience understanding the mechanism of enzymes associated with cancer epigenetics
  
• Experience developing biophysical and/or cellular protein-ligand assays
  
• Experience and/or interest in using mass spectrometry to characterize enzyme activity
  
• Scientific knowledge on a specific area of emphasis for Pfizer Oncology (e.g., Epigenetics, Cell Cycle, Cancer Immunology, etc.)
  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to execute laboratory experiments and perform complex data analyses
  
• Ability to interpret results relative to published data and ongoing Pfizer programs
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and a desire to succeed in a team setting
  
• Willingness to work with radioactive materials (3H, 32P, 33P)
  

OTHER JOB DETAILS

Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus

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

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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