Senior Associate Scientist, Process Development

Pfizer; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Pfizer matching

Pfizer retirement savings contribution

Paid vacation, holidays & personalDays

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Parental/caregiver leave

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking a Manufacturing Science & Technology professional to contribute to process development and tech transfer for vaccines and drugs. The role emphasizes independent experimentation, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration in a regulated manufacturing environment.

The position offers a broad benefits package including a 401(k) with matching, paid time off, and health coverage. Location is on premises with potential relocation support depending on business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years of experience or an MBA/MS.
• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of chemistry and ability to safely perform laboratory work.
• Ability to perform complex data analysis.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting technical issues.
• Experience in planning and carrying out experiments independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to immediate work group goals and collaborate with team members to achieve project objectives.
• Perform process scale-down studies for characterizing and supporting the manufacturing of therapeutic vaccines and other drug substances.
• Implement technology and continuous process development to ensure success.
• Serve as a Technical Expert for manufacturing methods, conducting scientific studies and recommending improvements for reliability, cost, safety, compliance, and environmental performance.
• Troubleshoot and improve established manufacturing processes, ensuring robustness and efficiency.
• Represent MSAT in cross‑functional project teams and participate in technical writing and review.
• Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a clean, safe, and functional order, complying with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Independently plan and perform work assignments, interpret and present data, and provide support for product transfers, new product development, and cost improvement projects.
• Design and execute studies while prioritizing work to meet project deadlines and solving moderately complex problems under moderate supervision

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Independent experiments

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years experience or MBA/MS

Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering related discipline

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Your contributions will be pivotal in translating advanced science and technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines, ultimately improving patient outcomes globally. Whether you are involved in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, you will leverage cutting-edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and deliver top-tier medicines to patients worldwide.

What You Will Achieve

In this role, you will: Contribute to immediate work group goals and collaborate with team members to achieve project objectives Perform process scale-down studies for characterizing and supporting the manufacturing of therapeutic vaccines and other drug substances Implement technology and continuous process development to ensure success Serve as a Technical Expert for manufacturing methods, conducting scientific studies and recommending improvements for reliability, cost, safety, compliance, and environmental performance Troubleshoot and improve established manufacturing processes, ensuring robustness and efficiency Represent MSAT in cross‑functional project teams and participate in technical writing and review. Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a clean, safe, and functional order, complying with safety and regulatory requirements Independently plan and perform work assignments, interpret and present data, and provide support for product transfers, new product development, and cost improvement projects Design and execute studies while prioritizing work to meet project deadlines and solving moderately complex problems under moderate supervision

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years of experience or an MBA/MS with any years of experience.
• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of chemistry and ability to safely perform laboratory work.
• Ability to perform complex data analysis.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting technical issues.
• Experience in planning and carrying out experiments independently.
• Competence with MS Office as well as complex laboratory instrumentation and software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Hands-on experience in bioconjugation chemistry, normal flow filtration, and tangential flow filtration of proteins and/or polysaccharides.
• Strong knowledge and experience with international CMC regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (part of GxP).
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with statistical experimental design and analysis using relevant software packages.
• 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, analyze scientific data, draw scientifically sound conclusions and follow laboratory procedures.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Flexible work hours (shift or weekend work) may be required to complete experiments at times.
• Must wear personal protective equipment when required for lab safety (e.g. safety shoes, lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face shield).

Other Job Details:

• Last day to Apply: October 21, 2026
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.