Senior Scientist, Biology

What You Will Achieve

Pfizer's Rare Disease Research Unit (RDRU) is focused on developing therapeutic solutions for patients with rare disorders, including those associated with central nervous system diseases. We are seeking a laboratory-based Senior Scientist to be part of an interdisciplinary team to execute preclinical studies in support of Pfizer's rare neuroscience portfolio. Individuals with expertise in one or more of the following technical areas are highly desirable: gene regulation, RNA interference and splicing, non-coding RNA, both small molecule and gene therapy drug development, and AAV expression cassette design. The Senior Scientist will work independently in the laboratory as well as be a member of cross-functional and collaborative project teams. In addition, the individual will use their scientific judgment in making decisions within their area of expertise, proactively gather input from colleagues and develop novel processes to ensure efficient and timely execution of the team's deliverables.

How You Will Achieve It

• Design and execute assays utilizing in vitro models (primary cells, IPSCs) to support preclinical systems and enable target identification and assay development
• Design and execute preclinical studies evaluating AAV performance in neurological diseases; Work will include building, optimizing and testing next generation AAV transgene expression cassettes.
• Partner with other Pfizer Research and Development teams, including other discovery lines in Rare Disease, medicinal design, and drug metabolism and safety to develop translational preclinical packages with the goal of identifying drug candidates.
• Support high-priority projects in the RDRU portfolio
• Work with external collaborators and Contract Research Organizations.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Ph.D. in the life sciences with 0-3 years of postdoctoral experience, MS with 7+ years, or BS with 9+ experience
• Scientific training and background in cellular and molecular biology and physiology, neuroscience, and/or disease pathophysiology
• Experience with plate-based cellular assays
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Evidence of scientific accomplishments in the form of publications and presentations.
• Experience supporting a multidisciplinary project team including generating high-quality data in a time-sensitive environment, assimilating new information from multiple sources, and effectively communicating with internal and external scientists.
• Creative, self-motivated and the ability to work independently including analysis and troubleshooting of experimental results and reviewing literature to formulate new approaches.

Nice-to-Have

• Hands-on experience with RNAi design, molecular cloning, testing AAV transduction pharmacology in vitro and/or in vivo is preferred
• Basic understanding of neurological diseases and neuroanatomy is desirable, experience working with neurological disease models preferred

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