Senior Associate Scientist – Biotherapeutics and Vaccines Analytical Testing

Pfizer; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 69,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist in our Research & Development division. Based in the U.S., you will translate advanced science into therapies and vaccines, applying analytical methods for quality control in a cGMP setting.

You will conduct quantitative analyses, validate methods, maintain compliant records, and collaborate across teams to meet project deadlines while improving laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• BSc/BA or MSc in a relevant science with hands-on biotherapeutics testing in an R&D or GMP setting.
• Experience validating and transferring analytical methods.
• Strong documentation accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to extract relevant information from scientific literature.
• Proficiency in recording observations and lab data during experiments.
• Solid biochemistry knowledge and compound characterization fundamentals.
• Experience with spectroscopic methods or HPLC/UPLC, plus bioassays.
• Knowledge of GMP lab operations and logistics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of biotherapeutics and vaccines for quality and shelf-life.
• Perform method verification, qualification, validation and transfer activities.
• Maintain compliant electronic and paper records per GLP/GMP and SOPs.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory instruments and safe working practices.
• Present data in team meetings and contribute to problem solving.
• Work under supervision with accountability to team goals.
• Collaborate across the analytical organization to meet deadlines.
• Prioritize tasks to support project timelines.
• Improve laboratory efficiency and safety practices.
• Troubleshoot analytical assays across diverse product pipelines.

Skills

Biotherapeutics testing

GMP experience

Documentation skills

Method validation

Literature extraction

Record observations

Biochemistry basics

Spectroscopy

HPLC/UPLC

GMP laboratory operations

Team collaboration

Growth mindset

Communication

EMPOWER

Labware LIMS

ELN

SoftMax

AI tools usage

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Master's degree in science

Tools

EMPOWER

Labware LIMS

ELN

SoftMax

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. As a Senior Associate Scientist, you will be at the forefront of this mission, working within our Research & Development division. Your role will be pivotal in translating advanced science and technologies into therapies and vaccines that matter most. By leveraging cutting-edge design and process development capabilities, you will help accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally, ultimately improving their lives.

What You Will Achieve

In this role, you will:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of various biotherapeutic products and vaccines, to determine their quality during manufacture and during determination of their shelf life.
• Perform analytical method lifecycle activities such as verification, qualification, validation, and transfer activities for complex biotherapeutics (mAb, mAb-like), antibody drug conjugates, therapeutic proteins, and vaccines.
• Maintain written records of all experimental work in compliance with GLP/GMP and departmental SOPs.
• Assist in the maintenance and renewal of laboratory instruments and systems and improve safe and effective working practices.
• Attend team meetings to present data and apply technical skills and knowledge to solve complex investigation problems.
• Work under moderate supervision with regular review and identify activities to support work group/project team goals
• Contribute to the achievement of immediate work group goals and collaborate with other team members across the larger analytical organization.
• Prioritize work to meet project deadlines and ensure participation and contribution as a team member.
• Continuously improve safe and effective working practices in the laboratory environment.
• Perform and troubleshoot as necessary analytical assays, while applying these methods across a board range of early and late-stage products in a cGMP environment.

Qualifications

Must Have

• BA/BS with 3 to 5 years of experience performing biotherapeutics testing in an R&D or GMP (preferable) environment.
• Master's Degree with 0 to 4 years of experience performing biotherapeutics testing in an R&D or GMP (preferable) environment.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail
• Some experience with method validation and method transfer
• Ability to extract relevant information from scientific literature
• Proficiency in recording observations, facts, data, and conclusions during experimental work or cGMP investigations
• Solid understanding of fundamental biochemistry, including functional group recognition and compound characterization
• Experience using spectroscopic (e.g., UV-VIS, fluorescence spectroscopy) chromatographic techniques (e.g., HPLC/UPLC) or experience in bioassay techniques (e.g., ELISA or cell-based bioassays)
• Experience in GMP laboratory operations and logistics
• Effective interaction with peers and leaders as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Strong evidence of growth mindset and ability to work as part of a diverse team
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Nice to Have

• Understanding of software systems used in biotherapeutics testing environments (EMPOWER, Labware LIMS or ELN or similar, SoftMax)
• Good Laboratory Practices (part of GxP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (also cGMP) knowledge
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions based on limited options or limited informaiton
• Initiative and proactive approach to tasks and projects
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Position requires occasional light lifting and periods of standing, sitting, or walking.

Non-standard Work Schedule, Travel Or Environment Requirements

• Position requires occasional off shift work (evenings).
• 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). Pfizei 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