Associate Scientist, In Vitro Pharmacology

Pfizer; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking an Associate Scientist in In Vitro Pharmacology to drive early drug discovery projects focused on obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. You will perform cell‑based signaling and binding assays, manage mammalian cultures, and apply pharmacology concepts to interpret results.

Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential as you generate quantitative data and contribute to project decisions.

Qualifications

• Must‑Have: Bachelor’s degree with any years of laboratory experience.
• Nice‑to‑Have: Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell‑based assay execution.
• Familiarity with concentration‑response analysis and core pharmacology concepts.
• Experience analysing and visualising pharmacology data using Excel/GraphPad Prism.
• Interest in receptor pharmacology, GPCR signalling, obesity or cardiometabolic drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimise, and execute cell‑based signalling, ligand‑binding, and in‑vitro pharmacology assays to generate high‑quality data.
• Support compound profiling and mechanism‑of‑action studies through careful experimental design and quantitative analysis.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and prepare reagents for screening, binding, and functional assays.
• Summarise and communicate experimental findings in meetings and updates; maintain accurate records.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assay execution

Pharmacology concepts

Concentration–response analysis

Excel/GraphPad Prism data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose At Pfizer

Our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. In this role, you will contribute to the discovery and advancement of innovative medicines for patients worldwide by applying rigorous science, modern pharmacology, and cutting‑edge technologies. Your work will help transform promising therapeutic ideas into high‑quality experimental data that enable confident decisions across the drug discovery process.

What You Will Achieve

A key strategic focus within the Internal Medicine Research Unit (IMRU) is the discovery of novel therapies for obesity, cardiovascular disease, and related cardiometabolic conditions. As an Associate Scientist in the In Vitro Pharmacology group, you will contribute to early drug discovery programs by generating rigorous, reproducible pharmacology data that support target validation, assay development, compound profiling, and mechanism‑of‑action studies. This role is well suited for a collaborative, hands‑on scientist with experience in cell‑based assay execution, mammalian cell culture, quantitative data analysis, and an interest in receptor pharmacology within cardiometabolic drug discovery.

How You Will Achieve It

Develop, optimise, and execute cell‑based signalling, ligand‑binding, and other in‑vitro pharmacology assays to generate high‑quality data that support project decisions. Support compound profiling and mechanism‑of‑action studies through careful experimental design, troubleshooting, and quantitative data analysis. Maintain mammalian cell cultures and prepare fit‑for‑purpose cellular or membrane‑based assay reagents to support screening, binding, and functional assay workflows. Apply core pharmacology concepts, including ligand potency, efficacy and affinity to interpret experimental results. Work collaboratively with pharmacology colleagues and cross‑functional project teams to support experimental priorities, data interpretation, and programme objectives. Summarise and communicate experimental findings clearly in team meetings, project discussions, and written updates. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant experimental records in an electronic laboratory notebook.

Qualifications

Must‑HaveBachelor’s degree with any years of laboratory experience.Nice‑to‑HaveHands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell‑based assay execution. Familiarity with core pharmacology concepts, concentration‑response analysis, and principles of robust assay execution. Experience analysing and visualising pharmacology data using Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools. Interest in receptor pharmacology, GPCR signalling, obesity or cardiometabolic drug discovery. Exposure to compound profiling, screening workflows, assay miniaturisation, membrane‑based assays, second messenger signalling assays, or emerging technologies to interrogate receptor function is preferred but not required. Ability to organise, execute, and troubleshoot experiments with attention to detail, scientific rigour, and data quality. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present experimental results in individual and group settings. Ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute effectively to a collaborative, cross‑functional research environment. Scientific curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and motivation to contribute to the discovery of new medicines for patients.

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 programmes 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.

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Research and Development

Pfizer careers are like no other. In our culture of individual ownership, we believe in our ability to improve future healthcare, and potential to transform millions of lives. We’re looking for new talent to join our global community, to unearth new innovative therapies that make the world a healthier place.