Senior Scientist, Analytical Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry

Role Summary

At Pfizer, we 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. As a colleague, you will apply cutting-edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world. You will have myriad opportunities to grow your career and help make the world a healthier place.

As part of the Analytical Research and Development (ARD) group in Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, we are seeking an enthusiastic, self-driven Ph.D., M.S. or B.S. level candidate to investigate, develop, and implement LC/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or GC/MS, MALDI-TOF MS-based strategies for the structural characterization and routine analysis of recombinant protein and mRNA therapeutics, including heightened product characterization and comparability exercises. As such, candidates should have in-depth understanding and hands-on experience with the characterization of monoclonal antibodies, multi-specific antibodies, fusion proteins, and/or mRNA/DNA vaccine products that includes commensurate technical knowledge and skills for the proper elucidation of component subunits, peptides, oligonucleotides, carbohydrates, viral particles, and/or small molecules such as lipids. Candidates should be comfortable working at the interface of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, upstream/downstream bioprocessing, formulation development, and quality control, as well as participating on cross-functional project teams and interacting with cross-site research groups, business units, and commercial manufacturing groups, in an effort to drive viable molecular design, process/product understanding, and the commercialization of medicines. Excellent written and communication skills, effective time-management, an innovative spirit, and the ability and desire to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced, team-oriented environment are essential for the position.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop, benchmark, and execute MS-based strategies and methods for in-depth structural elucidation and routine testing of protein, and/or mRNA/DNA/lipid
• Perform high quality and efficient LC/MS, LC/MS/MS, and/or MALDI-TOF, GC/MS analysis, including lab work, data analysis, interpretation and team presentations
• Serve as mass spectrometry, biochemistry, and heightened product characterization resource, for the department and project teams
• Develop novel strategies and methods with the latest UHPLC and MS technologies for more informative and efficient product characterization and process monitoring
• Interact with all groups within ARD, as well as participate actively on matrixed project teams involving additional groups from Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, research teams, business units, and commercial manufacturing sites.
• Support investigations with appropriate methodology to solve complex issues regarding assay performance, product quality attributes, and drug substance and drug product manufacturing.
• Update team proactively with current scientific trends and technical aspects from conferences, local meetings, and the literature.
• Mentor and train colleagues on protein and/or mRNA/DNA/lipid mass spectrometry workflow
• Make scientific presentations both internally and externally, as well as publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD with 0-3 years of experience, Master's Degree with 5+ years of experience or Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of experience with a degree in chemistry, biochemistry or related field.
• Primary focus in protein and/or mRNA/DNA/lipid mass spectrometry, commensurate with graduate studies, postdoctoral research, and/or work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Specialization in protein, and/or mRNA/DNA/lipid mass spectrometry and extensive experience with well-established MS approaches and methods for the detailed structural analysis of therapeutic proteins and/or mRNA/DNA/lipid (LC/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or MALDI-TOF MS, GC/MS) is required.
• Experience with state-of-the-art MS and proficiency in data analysis is expected.
• Knowledge of protein N- and O-glycosylation with respect to biosynthesis, structure, analysis and function is anticipated.
• Relevant experience with chromatographic and electrophoretic methods, micro-sample handling techniques, automation via liquid handling robotics, automated MS data analysis/report generation solutions, and software development is anticipated.
• Understanding of the regulatory landscape for the biopharmaceutical industry is anticipated, in addition to the ability to author sections in regulatory documents and write responses to queries.
• Accountable for general laboratory upkeep, as well as instrument maintenance and performance assessments.
• Proven scientific leadership and the ability to provide training and mentorship to colleagues is required.
• Excellent written and communication skills, a data-driven/detail-oriented approach, effective time-management, an innovative spirit, and the ability and desire to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced, team-oriented environment, is required.
• Familiarity with protein/mRNA/DNA/lipid is highly desired with respect to structural characterization approaches, challenges and gaps, and regulatory principles.
• MS-based method development experience is highly desired for implementing more informative and efficient approaches to product characterization and process monitoring.
• Experience with multi-attribute method for MS in QC is a plus, as well as novel MS solutions for product quality and attribute monitoring during pilot- and clinical-scale production is desired.
• Prior employment (including internships) in the pharmaceutical industry is highly desired, in addition to management experience of associate-level colleagues.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position requires typical physical conditions for standard laboratory and office work
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional work-related travel may be needed.

Other Job Details:

• Last Date to Apply: May 25, 2022
• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus
• Eligible for Relocation Package

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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.

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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