Senior Scientist

Why Patients Need You

Everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to the quality and the delivery of safe and effective products to patients. Our science and risk-based compliant quality culture is flexible, innovative, and customer oriented. Whether you are involved in development, maintenance, compliance or analysis through research programs, your contribution will directly impact patients.

What You Will Achieve

This is a laboratory-based position within the Vaccine Research and Development - Analytical Development group. The candidate will perform routine analytical methodologies to characterize viral stocks generated in-house to support vaccine program activities, operating within both BSL-3 and BSL-2 laboratories. Analytical methodologies include cell based and molecular biology-based techniques such as but not limited to routine cell culture, plaque assays, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis and sequencing . They will be a key point of contact for BSL-3 laboratory operations and interface with other BSL-3 staff as necessary to support colleagues in other partner lines.

How You Will Achieve It

• Develop analytical assays and perform routine sample analysis, such as plaque assays, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis, sequencing .
  
• Work with live viral cultures in both a BSL-3 and BSL-2 laboratory, utilizing purification and extraction techniques to prepare material for analytical assays.
  
• Independently design, plan, and execute assays to support the characterization and release of viral stocks.
  
• Independently analyze, interpret, provide conclusions, and present experimental data internally.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues within Vaccine Research and Development - Bioprocess, Critical Reagent team, and appropriate partner lines
  
• Serve as a key point-of-contact for BSL-3 analytical staff to schedule/follow-up/support colleagues for analytical questions.
  
• Where applicable, perform job responsibilities in compliance with BSL-3 requirements.
  
• Satisfactorily complete all assigned trainings in compliance with departmental requirements and follow appropriate safety practices in the workplace
  
• Perform timely notebook entries and review completed experiments.
  
• Author relevant documents such as methods, development reports, qualification reports and Reagent Certificates of Characterization.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned
  

Qualifications

Must-Have

• PhD in Virology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with at least 2 years of academic, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology postdoctoral experience or an MS plus 7 years of related work experience is required.
  
• A strong background in molecular biology and virology techniques including but not limited to virus purification/preparation and extraction of nucleic acids and qPCR is essential.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and must be motivated, flexible, highly organized, and willing to learn new skill sets.
  
• Proficiency with personal computers including word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software is desirable.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  

Nice-to-Have

• Experience working in a BSL-3 work environment.
  
• Experience with nucleic acid sequencing by NGS, for example Ion Torrent, is preferred.
  
• Experience in viral stock characterization with cell based and molecular based technologies is preferred.
  
• Experience in working with cell cultures is a plus
  
• Experience using an electronic notebook is preferred.
  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standard laboratory conditions - sitting, standing, primarily lab based
  
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis
  

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel might be needed based on business needs
  

Other Job Details:

• Relocation support available
  

#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.

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