Associate Scientist, Clinical Immunology & Diagnostics

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Pfizer Matching

Health benefits

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Pfizer is hiring an Associate Scientist to perform molecular diagnostic assays, including PCR and nucleic acid isolation, in a high-throughput laboratory supporting vaccine studies.

The role requires a BS in a relevant science and 0–2 years of lab experience; familiarity with GCLP and SOP adherence is essential. On-premise work in the United States with competitive benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• BS or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (immunology, microbiology, genetics) and 0-2 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Understanding of molecular biology and PCR.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of laboratory automation.
• Experience working in a regulated environment highly desired.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Foundational math and laboratory skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and related scientific tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform PCR & nucleic acid isolation on clinical samples inside a biosafety cabinet and interact with laboratory automation.
• Run molecular diagnostic assays strictly adhering to SOPs.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and verify liquid handler volumes and monthly inspections.
• Prepare reports and summarize results.
• Collaborate with team members to complete assigned tasks.
• Utilize Excel, Teams, Outlook to communicate data and track inventory.
• Comply with GCLP and regulatory requirements and stay current on trainings.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

Aseptic technique

Laboratory automation

Regulated environment experience

Attention to detail

Oral and written communication

Mathematics basics

Education

BS or equivalent in immunology, microbiology, or genetics

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

MS Teams / Outlook

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 You Will Achieve

As an Associate Scientist, you will perform molecular diagnostic assays including PCR and DNA/RNA isolation within a regulated, high‑throughput laboratory environment to support vaccine efficacy studies. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality data in a compliant manner according to relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines. You will work within a team where roles and responsibilities are shared across group members. Effective collaboration is essential to achieve team goals. Ability to communicate results, adapt to changing priorities, and recognize when to seek guidance is required.

How You Will Achieve

• Perform PCR & nucleic acid isolation, handle clinical samples including nasal swabs, stool, tissue biopsies, or blood/serum inside a biosafety cabinet, and interact with laboratory automation including liquid handlers, and programmable pipettes.
• Run molecular diagnostic assays strictly adhering to SOPs.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance including verification of liquid handler dispense volumes, monthly lab inspections, cleaning, and archiving data.
• Execute protocols to qualify equipment, record results in real time and prepare summary reports.
• Collaborate with group members to perform assigned tasks.
• Use Microsoft Excel, Teams, Outlook, and other efficiency tools to gather and communicate data, track inventory, order lab supplies.
• Calculate sample concentrations, prepare buffers and related solutions.
• Perform sample preparation for molecular assays to support clinical studies. Create reagent or sample aliquots appropriate for use with automated processes.
• Present experimental results at group and project meetings. Write progress reports or create PowerPoint slides describing results.
• Perform job responsibilities in compliance with GCLP and all other regulatory agency requirements.
• Stay current on departmental and corporate training.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• BS or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (immunology, microbiology, genetics) and 0-2 years of experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Understanding of molecular biology and PCR.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of laboratory automation.
• Experience working in a regulated environment highly desired.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to collaborate and work in team environment.
• Has a good foundation in general scientific practice and in the principles and concepts of a relevant scientific discipline.
• Possess basic math and laboratory skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific undefined

Nice‑to‑Have

• Strong problem‑solving skills & excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance workflows.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the typical physical demands of a general scientific laboratory environment during set up and operation of pharmaceutical laboratory equipment.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position may require occasional weekend work hours, as necessary. Individuals will be required to adhere to safe work practices including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Location Assignment

On Premise

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.

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.

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

Research and Development