Scientist, Process Development

Pfizer; North Carolina; On-site; USD 83,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking a skilled bioprocess professional to advance vaccine and biologics manufacturing processes at Pfizer’s U.S. sites.

You will characterize pilot-scale systems, develop improved purification and production workflows, and mentor teammates while driving safety and quality in cGMP environments. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, collaboration with global teams, and contributions to Operational Excellence initiatives, with a base salary and bonus eligibility reflecting U.S.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry or related field required.
• MBA/MS may be considered with relevant experience.
• Experience in a research lab and cGMP knowledge preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale process characterization and optimization studies.
• Develop new and improved processes for manufacturing vaccines and other drug substances.
• Manage time effectively and develop short-term work plans.
• Apply technical skills and knowledge proactively in projects.
• Make decisions to resolve moderately complex problems and receive instructions on complex issues.
• Lead troubleshooting and investigation of issues with clinical or commercial manufacturing processes.
• Support project teams, manufacturing sites, and global technical groups by coordinating and supporting tech transfer activities.
• Plan and execute laboratory studies, ensure safety with hazardous chemicals, and support Operational Excellence initiatives.

Skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Mentor and guide team members

Teamwork and collaboration

Experience with hazardous chemicals

Education

BA/BS in Chemistry or related field

MBA/MS with 4+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Lab equipment control software

Data acquisition software

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Your contributions will directly impact the development of new therapies and vaccines, ultimately improving the lives of patients around the world. By leveraging cutting-edge design and process development capabilities, you will help accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally.

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Your contributions will directly impact the development of new therapies and vaccines, ultimately improving the lives of patients around the world. By leveraging cutting-edge design and process development capabilities, you will help accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally.

What You Will Achieve

• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale process characterization and optimization studies
• Develop new and improved processes for manufacturing vaccines and other drug substances
• Manage time effectively and develop short-term work plans
• Apply technical skills and knowledge proactively in projects
• Make decisions to resolve moderately complex problems and receive instructions on complex issues
• Work under limited supervision with periodic review and provide mentoring within the team
• Lead troubleshooting and investigation of issues with clinical or commercial manufacturing processes
• Support project teams, manufacturing sites, and global technical groups by coordinating and supporting tech transfer activities
• Plan and execute laboratory studies, ensure safety with hazardous chemicals, and support Operational Excellence initiatives

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• BA/BS with at least 6 years of experience or MBA/MS with at least 4 years of experience.
• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or other related discipline.
• Practical knowledge of chemistry and ability to safely work with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory
• Technical knowledge and skills in purification of biologics achieved through industrial or academic experience in research and development, technical operations, manufacturing, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in a research laboratory setting, a strong background of traditional bioprocessing, and/or a working knowledge of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)/statistical methods
• Experience using Microsoft Office software as well as laboratory equipment control and data acquisition software.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• A background in chemical engineering, organic chemistry and/or biochemistry
• Hands-on experience in bioconjugation chemistry, normal flow filtration, and tangential flow filtration of proteins and/or polysaccharides
• Experience in supporting scale-up and technology transfer to pilot or commercial scale facilities
• Experience with statistical experimental design and analysis using relevant software packages
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ability to mentor and guide team members
• 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

Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to perform mathematical calculations, interpret data and draw sound scientific conclusions

Non-standard Work Schedule, Travel Or Environment Requirements

Flexible work hours (off shift or weekend) may be required based on experimental timelines. Must wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety shoes, lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face shield) as required for lab safety.

Other Job Details:

• Last day to Apply: October 21, 2026
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $82,700.00 to $137,900.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 10.0% 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