Associate Research Fellow, Early Formulation Science & Drug Delivery

Pfizer; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 272,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking an Associate Research Fellow to lead scientific and leadership efforts within Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery. The role interfaces with multi-disciplinary teams, advancing portfolio deliverables and mentor scientists.

It responsibilities span pre-formulation, solid form characterization, biopharmaceutics, and early clinical strategy for small molecules within the Drug Product Design and Supply group of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 15+ years of post-degree industry experience in pharmaceutics or related field.
• BS/MS with minimum 20 years relevant pharmaceutics industry experience in small molecule drug product design.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for early-stage formulation and drug delivery initiatives.
• Lead and mentor matrix teams across disciplines to achieve portfolio goals.
• Develop and refine strategies for oral drug delivery and pre-formulation.
• Apply biophysical modeling and in vitro data to guide candidate selection and formulation decisions.
• Communicate findings through internal and external presentations/publications.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Mentoring

Formulation science

Biopharmaceutics

Education

PhD level (15+ yrs)

BS/MS with 20+ yrs

Job description

ROLE SUMMARY

The Associate Research Fellow position will be a strong scientific and leadership role within the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery (EFS-DD) group. The selected candidate will interface with multi-disciplinary research project teams and cross functional management, advance both portfolio deliverables and scientific initiatives with deep science and strategic thought, and provide guidance and mentorship to other scientists. EFS-DD holds portfolio responsibilities in the areas of early-stage compound selection, pre-formulation development, solid form characterization, biopharmaceutics understanding, and early clinical drug delivery strategy of new small molecules. The role resides within the Drug Product Design and Supply department which functions as part of the larger Pharmaceutical Sciences division.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Strong fundamental understanding of the concepts and connectivity of molecular structure, solid form, dissolution kinetics, thermodynamics, diffusion/permeation behavior, etc, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the design and development of formulations
• Efficient application of existing advanced modeling and simulation tools for predictive performance of oral absorption and systemic exposure (pharmacokinetics) in pre-clinical and clinical studies
• Leadership of matrix teams of scientists across multiple levels to deliver portfolio and initiative breakthroughs
• Leadership of scientific strategy and direction for advances in oral, small molecule drug delivery through interaction with organizational thought leaders and cross functional management
• Conduct novel scientific research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Chemistry, Physical Organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry or related discipline with 15+ years relevant experience in industry after degree/post doc, or BS/MS in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Chemistry, Physical Organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry or related discipline with a minimum of 20 years relevant pharmaceutics industry experience in small molecule drug product design.
• Small molecule Formulation, Materials Science, and/or early Biopharmaceutics background, and a strong record of scientific achievement
• Experience in using and interpreting biophysical modeling, physicochemical (solubility & dissolution) and biological (passive, transporter mediated, efflux) transport phenomena, design, interpretation, and use of in vitro experiments, and interpretation of pre-clinical exposure data for the design and selection of new small molecule drug candidates and drug delivery systems
• Motivation to learn and implement new technologies and concepts.
• A strong interest in leadership
• Extensive practical experience working within cross-disciplinary teams and achieving results in a matrix environment.
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills.
• The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively.
• Proven track record of supervising, mentoring and coaching scientists.
• Understanding of drug discovery and development concepts
• Experience in actively developing and advancing scientific initiatives and external collaborations.
• Collaborative and effective partnering skills applied in a complex, multi-disciplinary organization

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.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical requirements include sitting, standing, performing laboratory tasks. Mental requirements include performing data analysis, strategic thinking/planning.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel or non-standard hours may be required.

Relocation support available

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $162,900.00 to $271,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life's moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and