Research Associate

Pfizer; Apex (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking a Research Associate to support regulated in vivo studies, maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare while ensuring robust datasets and compliant record-keeping.

The role emphasizes following SOPs, applying the 3Rs, and collaborating across teams to advance research while upholding safety and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• BSc or higher in a related scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
• Home Office Personal License (PIL AB).
• Experience caring for mice and rats in regulated settings.
• Calm, welfare-conscious handling of animals.
• Proficiency in subcutaneous injections in mice and rats.
• Proficiency in intraperitoneal injections in mice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to self-prioritise with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to undertake required training.
• Co-operative and flexible attitude, able to meet job demands.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of care, welfare and husbandry for mice and rats.
• Work in accordance with animal welfare legislation and safety rules.
• Follow approved protocols and SOPs with welfare as a central focus.
• Keep accurate records and analyze in vivo datasets.
• Perform approved non-surgical procedures and humane endpoints as licensed.
• Apply the 3Rs to minimise animal use and improve welfare.
• Assist with ELISAs or other assays and coordinate animal orders when needed.
• Attend meetings and participate in laboratory and facility operations.

Skills

Animal care

Record keeping

Welfare assessment

Subcutaneous injections

Intraperitoneal injections

Communication

Self-management

Training readiness

Education

BSc or higher in related science

Home Office PIL AB

Job description

Purpose of the Job

The Research Associate will support regulated in vivo studies, maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare, accurate records and robust datasets. All work will be conducted in accordance with good practice, current guidance, the principles of the 3Rs and applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Responsibilities

1. Maintaining consistently high standards of care, welfare and husbandry for mice and rats.
2. Working in accordance with all relevant animal welfare, scientific procedures and health and safety legislation, including the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
3. Following approved protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with animal welfare as a central consideration.
4. Maintaining accurate written and electronic records, including welfare observations and analysis of in vivo datasets.
5. Conducting authorized non-surgical regulated procedures and, where required, approved humane endpoints in accordance with license conditions, training and welfare protocols.
6. Actively applying and promoting the 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement to minimize animal use and enhance welfare.

From time to time, other duties may include: Performing ELISAs or other biological assays to support the interpretation of outcomes from in vivo studies; Coordinating the responsible ordering of animals and chemical or biological reagents in line with approved study requirements; Undertaking any necessary training and/or development; Attendance of relevant meetings; Carrying out such other duties as necessary to assist in the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory and facilities, including cleaning and maintenance.

Required skills, education and experience

• BSc or higher in a related scientific discipline, or have equivalent academic, industrial, or commercial experience.
• Home Office Personal License (PIL AB).
• Experience supporting the care, welfare and handling of both mice and rats in a regulated setting.
• Competence and confidence in the calm, welfare-conscious handling of mice and rats.
• Proficiency in administering subcutaneous injections to mice and rats using approved refinement practices.
• Proficiency in administering intraperitoneal injections to mice using approved refinement practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to self-prioritise and manage own work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training required for the role.
• Have a co-operative, flexible attitude towards work.
• Is fit to meet the demands of the role, including frequent carrying and lifting.
• Disciplined and considerate of confidentiality and security at all times.

Preferred

• Practical experience within a research environment.
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures.
• Awareness of emerging obesity pharmacotherapies.
• Proficiency in refined blood-sampling techniques, including tail-vein sampling, for mice and rats.
• Skilled at performing ELISAs or other biological assays.
• Able to analyse and present data via GraphPad Prism.

Purpose Breakthroughs that change patients' lives...

At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.

Digital Transformation Strategy

One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.

Flexibility

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self.

Let's start the conversation!

Equal Employment Opportunity We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms - allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

DisAbility Confident We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career. Our mission is unleashing the power of our people, especially those with unique superpowers. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!

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 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.