Senior Scientist, Viral Immunoassay Development Lead

ROLE SUMMARY:

The High-throughput Clinical Immunoassays & Diagnostics (HCID) group within Pfizer Vaccines R&D is seeking a scientist with a strong background in virology and immunology and an interest in vaccine clinical testing. The incumbent will join a team responsible for executing serological assays used in the characterization of vaccine-induced immune responses to viruses. As a Senior Scientist in this group, the incumbent will be responsible primarily for generating high-quality biofunctional assay data in a regulated laboratory setting to support Pfizer's Phase 3 vaccine programs. The candidate will function as a senior member of the Neutralization Assay Group and manage a small team of laboratory scientists.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support of the SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization assay team in a BSL-3 laboratory. The incumbent will function as a technical expert in biofunctional assays, virology, and immunology. Providing scientific oversight of the assays starting from assay development and validation, hands-on support during troubleshooting and data analysis, and throughout clinical testing campaigns. Additional responsibilities include reviewing clinical data, ensuring critical reagent supply and qualification, and monitoring quality control data for long-term assay performance. Scientific writing will include preparation and review of documents associated with assays, including SOPs, technical reports, and regulatory documents, as needed.

The incumbent will ensure business-critical deadlines are met by the group and communicate progress to management and senior leaders.

Role will include management of a small team of 3-5 direct and indirect reports which includes supervisory activities, providing scientific leadership within the assay group, and fostering teamwork, trust, and coaching among group members. Work will be completed following GxP regulatory guidelines as required.

As an integral member of this dynamic team, the incumbent must have a strong work ethic and be highly collaborative with group members in multidisciplinary teams, including colleagues from the following teams: assay development, cell culture, automation, project management, quality assurance, data informatics, and statistics.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a scientific discipline such as immunology, virology, microbiology, biochemistry, and/or bacteriology with 0-3 years of experience, or MS with 7+ years of relevant industry experience
  
• Strong background in virology and immunology is required; classic virology training preferred
  
• Experience developing and running cell-based assays assessing antibody functionality is preferred (virus titration, virus neutralization or plaque-reduction, hemagglutination inhibition, flow cytometry, etc)
  
• Familiarity with assay qualification and/or validation is preferred
  
• Familiarity with or experience working under GxP guidelines, including SOPs, instrument IOQ/PQ, and good documentation practices
  
• Fundamental understanding of statistics and data analysis software
  
• Demonstrated leadership ability through project management and mentoring
  
• Proven delivery of objectives in a complex matrix environment
  
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, changing environment
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BSL-3 experience
  
• Experience managing scientists
  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Position will involve working in a BSL-3 laboratory

OTHER JOB DETAILS:

• Eligible for Relocation Package
  
• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus
  
• #LI-PFE
  

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