Associate Scientist

Pfizer; Pearl River (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking an Associate Scientist in the Clinical Immunology & Diagnostics, Robotics & Automation group to support automated sample preparation workflows for vaccine research. You will operate and troubleshoot automation systems, ensuring compliant, high-quality materials for assay readiness.

Responsibilities include maintaining lab materials, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and adhering to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences, engineering, or related field.
• Experience in a laboratory, pharma/biotech, or academic setting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory automation systems.
• Follow procedures, safety rules, and quality standards for tasks.
• Execute work to meet schedule milestones and quality standards.
• Manage laboratory materials, reagents, and consumables for automated workflows.
• Collaborate with scientific, operational, and quality partners on project deliverables.
• Maintain department training requirements and safety compliance.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office

Electronic lab systems

AI tools usage (ChatGPT, Copilot)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Beckman Coulter

Laboratory automation systems

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, which strives to convert advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. Whether you are engaged in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, your role is crucial. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to expedite the delivery of top tier medicines to patients globally. By integrating advanced scientific knowledge with practical applications, we aim to bring the most effective treatments to those in need, fulfilling our commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide.

What Will Be Achieved

The Associate Scientist in the Clinical Immunology & Diagnostics, Robotics & Automation group supports Pfizer's vaccine research portfolio through the execution of automated sample preparation workflows. The role utilizes advanced laboratory automation systems to generate high-quality assay-ready materials, while ensuring high standards of compliance and operational excellence.

How It Will Be Achieved

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory automation systems to ensure reliable, compliant, and efficient laboratory operations.
• Follow approved procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards while seeking guidance as appropriate to ensure successful execution of assigned responsibilities.
• Execute assigned work and responsibilities to meet schedule demands, project milestones, and operational deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality.
• Support the management of laboratory materials, reagents, controls, reference standards, and consumables required for automated workflows.
• Collaborate effectively with scientific, operational, and quality partners to support laboratory objectives and project deliverables.
• Maintain current departmental, qualityand safety training requirements.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Experience working in a laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic environment.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic laboratory systems.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with laboratory automation, robotic liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter), and high-throughput sample preparation workflows.
• Knowledge of regulated laboratory practices, data integrity principles, and quality systems (e.g., GxP).
• Familiarity with common AI-enabled tools to support problem solving and enhance productivity.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires significant time in a laboratory environment and the ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform activities such as standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting for extended periods while working at laboratory workstations, automation platforms, and computer workstations.
• Ability to analyze data and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to support laboratory operations and process improvements.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• This position involves a non-standard work schedule, working Sunday through Thursday. A scheduled workday would consist of a total of 8.5 hours, between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., according to business need.
• This schedule will be evaluated on a monthly basis.

Other Job Details:

• Work Location Assignment: On Premise
• Last Day To apply: November 11th

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $60,200.00 to $100,400.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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 benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

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. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email [e-mail]. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

Research and Development