Senior Associate Scientist (Upstream Process Development)

Pfizer; United States; On-site; USD 69,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking a scientist to develop robust, scalable cell culture processes for manufacturing biological therapeutics across early- and late-phase programs. Your expertise will guide decisions and contribute to patient impact.

You will design and execute experiments using shake flasks, bench-top bioreactors, and scale-down equipment; transfer processes to pilot and commercial facilities; present data to cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years' industrial experience or Master's with 0-2 years in Chemical/Biochemical Eng, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomed Eng or related field.
• Relevant research experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Ability to grasp scientific concepts, interpret data, and formulate hypotheses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize cell culture processes for producing biological therapeutics.
• Design, plan, and execute experiments using shake flasks, bench-top bioreactors, and scale-down equipment.
• Assist in transferring manufacturing processes to pilot, clinical, and commercial facilities.
• Present data and strategies to scientists and management at internal/external meetings.
• Analyze and document experimental data in ELNs and internal reports.

Skills

Cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or related

Master's degree (optional)

Tools

aseptic technique

Shake flasks

Bench-top bioreactors

Job description

Use Your Power for Purpose

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. At the core of fulfilling this purpose is Research and Development, where we strive to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most.

Your role will focus on developing robust, scalable, and high-productivity cell culture processes for manufacturing biological therapeutics for both early- and late-phase clinical programs. Your extensive experience and deep understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices of the discipline will make you an invaluable team member. Your expertise will guide critical decision-making processes, often requiring you to choose among limited options. You will actively contribute to all team discussions, bringing your innovative scientific mindset to the table. This proactive approach will help Pfizer achieve new milestones and make a significant impact on patients worldwide.

What You Will Achieve

In this role, you will:

• Develop and optimize cell culture processes for producing biological therapeutics
• Design, plan, and execute experiments using shake flasks, bench-top bioreactors, and other scale-down equipment
• Conduct cell culture experiments to enhance protein production with mammalian expression platforms
• Assist in transferring manufacturing processes to pilot, clinical, and commercial facilities
• Present data and strategies to scientists and management at internal and external meetings, including technical meetings, project team meetings, and conferences
• Analyze and document experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks and internal technical reports, ensuring timely and accurate documentation
• Evaluate data and provide clear, detailed reports for cross-functional teams
• Complete all required Good Laboratory Practices and safety training, adhering to departmental safety practices.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve work group goals and contribute to project assignments
• Prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines, apply technical skills to solve moderately complex problems, and work under moderate supervision with regular review

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years' industrial experience or Master's degree with 0-2 years experience in Chemical / Biochemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or a relevant field
• Relevant research experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Ability to grasp scientific concepts, interpret complex data, and formulate new hypothesis.
• Competency in aseptic laboratory technique and the ability to design and carry out complex experiments and interpret data.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in collaborative projects, and ability to communicate effectively with scientists and management in a highly matrixed organization.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Hands-on experience with high-throughput bioreactor platforms, including ambr15 and ambr250 systems
• Expertise in fed-batch / perfusion bioreactor operations, including process setup, control, troubleshooting, and scale-up of mammalian cell culture processes
• Proficiency in process modeling and multivariate data analysis for process characterization, and predictive process understanding
• Experience with Python programming, workflow automation, or app development to create tools that improve experimental planning, data analysis, visualization, and knowledge-sharing for process development scientists
• Enthusiasm for technology development and innovation, with hands-on perfusion experience highly desired

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• May require occasional work on the weekend for essential tasks
• May need to travel occasionally to attend internal meetings or external conferences

Other Job Details

• Work Location Assignment: On Premise
• 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 Ta