Senior Associate Scientist

Pfizer; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 69,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Pfizer Matching

Retirement Savings Contribution

Paid Vacation/Holiday/Personal Days

Health Benefits

Job summary

Pfizer in Groton, CT seeks a synthetic organic chemist to join the Process Chemistry group within CRD. The role focuses on developing scalable processes to synthesize diverse APIs, including small molecules, peptides and lipids, in a collaborative, safety‑driven lab environment.

Requirements include a Master’s degree in Chemistry, strong laboratory skills, and experience with analytical methods. Travel to external sites may be required; relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemistry with lab research experience.
• Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred but not required.
• Strong synthetic organic chemistry knowledge and communication skills.
• Experience with peptide and lipid synthesis valued.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes to drug candidates.
• Develop scalable, safe, robust processes in lab.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across chemistry, analysis and engineering.
• Maintain accurate scientific notebooks and report results clearly.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Analytical methods

Data interpretation

Notebook/documentation

Education

Master’s degree in Chemistry

Job description

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a synthetic organic chemist to join the Process Chemistry group within Chemical Research and Development (CRD) in Groton, CT. CRD, part of Preclinical and Translational Sciences within Pfizer R&D, is responsible for the development of process technology to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This work includes the synthesis of diverse chemical entities that support both traditional small molecules and emerging therapeutic modalities, including peptides, lipids and other complex synthetic molecules. CRD scientists engage in all facets of development from small scale synthesis in support of discovery programs, to the development of the commercial synthetic routes. CRD scientists partner with manufacturing specialists for API synthesis in kilo-lab and pilot plant facilities, as well as provide support for technology transfer to Pfizer manufacturing sites and third‑party facilities. The successful candidate will enable and develop scalable processes to pharmaceutical drug candidates that are safe, efficient and robust through thoughtful experimentation in a laboratory setting. The ability to work on multi‑disciplinary teams involving chemists, analysts, engineers, and technologists is essential.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will work in the laboratory and assist in the design and execution of synthetic routes to drug candidates including traditional small‑molecules, peptides, lipids, and other complex synthetic modalities, within a dynamic, team‑oriented environment and assist in the development and completion of experimental studies to provide safe, efficient, robust and scalable processes. A strong working knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry principles, excellent laboratory skills, an awareness of analytical methods, and a commitment to safety are required. Compliance on safety and regulatory requirements is expected and documented through our internal training program. The candidate should thrive in the collaborative environment of a multi‑disciplinary project team. A willingness to learn and apply new technology to process development challenges is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Chemistry with laboratory‑based research experience required. Pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred but not required. Demonstrated high performance in synthetic organic chemistry experimentation with a strong working knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry principles. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to maintain an accurate scientific notebook. Familiarization with modern analytical tools and techniques, as well as data interpretation. Thorough working knowledge of the published literature in synthetic organic chemistry. An ability to communicate results through clear, concise written reports, publications and related documentation. Prior experience with peptide and lipid synthesis is highly valued, particularly hands‑on experience with route development, scale‑up, purification strategies, and cross‑functional collaboration in support of pharmaceutical research and development, though it is not required.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENT

Laboratory work requires standing. Working at a computer.

NON‑STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Travel is required on occasion in support of external manufacture or to participate in scientific conferences. Relocation support available.

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. 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. 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

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.