Head of Immunodiagnostics and Next Generation Technology

Pfizer; Pearl River (NY); On-site; USD 176,600 - 294,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus target 20%

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Pfizer seeks a Senior Leader to envision and implement next-generation immunodiagnostics strategies in the Vaccines R&D Clinical Immunology and Diagnostics group. You will drive high-throughput, automated LBA approaches and lead a team of scientists to support vaccine trials and epidemiological studies.

You will collaborate across vaccine program teams, manage multiple projects, and ensure all work adheres to GCLP/cGMP standards while advancing automation and DoE-driven analytics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology or a closely related biological field is required.
• 5+ years of industry experience leading assay/tool development and adopting new technologies.
• Experience managing managers and mentoring scientists.
• Deep expertise in assay development and lifecycle management.
• Strong background in robotic sample handling systems, DoE, and biostatistical analysis.
• Expert knowledge of analytical/clinical validations under GCLP and/or cGMP.
• Proficiency with LIMS, DoE software, and enterprise software suites.
• Excellent publication record and ability to present data to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Innovation: envision and execute next-generation LBA strategies with high-throughput automation.
• Project and Clinical Leadership: manage multiple assay development projects and optimize resources.
• Collaboration and Influence: partner across teams and external partners; lead tech transfers.
• People Management and Compliance: mentor multiple managers; ensure SOPs and GCLP/cGMP adherence.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Biostatistical analysis

Robotic automation

Education

PhD in Immunology or related field

Tools

LIMS

DoE software

Enterprise software suites

Job description

Position Summary

As a Senior Leader within the Vaccines R&D Clinical Immunology and Diagnostics organization, you will envision and implement next‑generation immunodiagnostics strategies. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Diagnostics, you will drive novel, high‑throughput ligand binding assay (LBA) strategies outside conventional plate‑based assays, focusing heavily on automation, speed, and high precision. You will lead a high‑performing team developing and maintaining immunodiagnostic assays to support vaccine clinical trials and epidemiological studies, and serve as the primary immunology and assay development SME for vaccine program teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy and Innovation: Envision and execute next‑generation LBA strategies, driving high‑throughput, automated, and rapid‑completion alternatives to traditional plate‑based assays; keep abreast of scientific and technological breakthroughs and identify and license or develop promising new diagnostic platforms.
• Project and Clinical Leadership: Set objectives for and manage multiple assay development projects (serological, immunodiagnostic, and toxicological); prioritize clinical epidemiological studies by optimizing logistical testing resources; author and review high‑level technical documents, validations, regulatory responses, and scientific publications.
• Collaboration and Influence: Collaborate across internal Vaccines R&D teams and external partners to integrate cutting‑edge testing technologies into clinical strategies; lead technology transfers and represent the department in key scientific and strategic discussions.
• People Management and Compliance: Direct and mentor a diverse team of scientists, including managing multiple subordinate managers; ensure all laboratory work and clinical testing strictly adhere to Pfizer values, SOPs, and GCLP/cGMP standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology or a closely related biological field.
• 5+ years of industry experience leading the development of advanced tools and assays and implementing cutting‑edge technologies.
• Experience managing managers and mentoring junior scientists.
• Deep expertise in assay development and lifecycle management.
• Strong background in robotic sample handling systems, clinical batching, Design of Experiments (DoE), and general biostatistical analysis.
• Expert knowledge of analytical/clinical validations under GCLP and/or cGMP guidelines.
• Proficiency with LIMS, DoE software, and standard enterprise suites.
• Strong publication record (primary author) and experience presenting concise, high‑level data to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leveraging AI, machine learning, or advanced algorithmic scheduling software to optimize high‑throughput laboratory automation and automated assay data analysis pipelines.
• Experience interacting with or responding to regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities, including influencing and collaborating with peers, coaching others, and guiding colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and business impact.

Work Location

This is a hybrid role requiring on‑site work an average of 2.5 days per week or more as needed. Relocation support may be available.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time and occasional walking from one building to another.

Salary and Benefits

Annual base salary range: $176,600 – $294,300. Eligible for the Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20% of base salary and participation in Pfizer’s share‑based long‑term incentive program. Comprehensive benefits include a 401(k) plan with corporate matching, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in employment. Candidates must be authorized to work permanently in the United States. Pfizer does not sponsor U.S. work visas for this role.