Principal Scientist, Rare Neurology

ROLE SUMMARY

Pfizer's Rare Disease Research Unit (RDRU) is focused on delivering therapies that fundamentally transform what it means to live with a rare disease, including rare neurological diseases. As a Principal Scientist within the RDRU, this individual will establish a research program to identify novel targets and advance novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of rare neurological diseases. A focus of this position will be the application of genetic medicines (gene therapy, gene editing) in rare neurological disease indications.

The Principal Scientist, Rare Neuroscience should have a significant depth of knowledge in the field of cell-based and animal models of neurodegenerative disease, and hands on experience in the design and delivery of genetic medicines (e.g., AAV gene therapy, gene editing). Self-motivation, commitment to scientific excellence, strong written and oral communication skills, the openness to partner effectively with internal/external leaders, and the ability to lead, mentor and work as part of a team are essential qualities of the role.

Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strong scientific leadership, in the areas of gene assay development and editing gene therapy using human patient-derived cell models of neurologic disease.
• This experienced scientific leader will be expected to develop and lead discovery programs in rare neurology from conception to candidate nomination.
• Create an environment that values employee development, innovative thinking, scientific excellence, accountability and urgency.
• Partner closely within the RDRU and other disciplines of integrated drug discovery and development, especially Gene Therapy, Gene Editing, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Disposition, Drug Safety, Regulatory, and Early Clinical Development to deliver translational data and pre-clinical packages for clinical candidates.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and building synergies with various partner lines.
• Responsible for championing and promoting research programs with internal and external stakeholders through presentations, research publications and patent filings.
• Work with the Rare Neurology Leadership Team to advise on program prioritization and valuation of current programs.
• Maintain a current awareness of evolving technologies and scientific developments that could be applied to advance programs and contribute to diligence efforts of novel technologies and therapeutic assets.
• Actively contribute to the external collaborative scientific strategy, e.g., identify and build collaborations and liaise with external scientists.
• Ensure that all research is conducted with in accordance with relevant regulatory, quality and compliance guidelines.
• Collaborate across RDRU line functions and foster a culture of open collaboration, communication and transparency
• Inspire, model, and reinforce colleague expectations of urgently creating value at an appropriate return on investment, of applying innovative, rigorous science to discovering new medicines, of individual & collective accountability for value creation, of continuously improving organizational effectiveness.
• Engender a high level of engagement and professional trust across both direct and indirect lines.
• Attract and grow highly effective scientists and drug discoverers and nurture a culture which translates breaking biological science into new medicines most effectively and competitively in the biomedical research industry.
• Effectively, rigorously and accurately review and develop talent. Proactively address development needs and make difficult decisions when appropriate.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in the life sciences with at least 6 years of post-doctoral experience in neuroscience, preferably in rare neurological diseases, and with experience leading discovery research programs in academic or industry setting.
• Broad expertise in neuroscience and a keen interest in delivery methodology to different regions of the brain.
• Strong commitment to progressing therapeutics from conception to IND.
• Experience leading, or collaborating closely, with a clinical group that conducts translational research or drug development studies.
• A strong record of publishing primary research in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals of national/international scientific reputation.
• Demonstrates ability to think strategically and creatively while contributing to multiple projects.
• Thrives in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team setting, and possesses highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Engenders trust, respect and confidence as a leader.

Other Job Details:

• Eligible for Relocation Package
• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus
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Research and Development