Senior Research Scientist, High Content Imaging

Pfizer; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 94,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

On-site campus facilities

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology group at the Groton campus in Connecticut. The role focuses on high-content imaging and flow cytometry to support a diverse small molecule portfolio across therapeutic areas.

You will design and optimize imaging assays, develop analysis workflows, and translate imaging data into actionable biological insights while collaborating with chemists, structural biologists and computational scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, pharmacology, cell biology, biomedical engineering, or related field with 0-4 years of work experience, plus 2+ years applying fluorescence or confocal microscopy.
• Imaging assay expertise: hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-content imaging assays; familiarity with flow cytometry assay platforms is valued.
• Experience with image-analysis and quantitative data-analysis to extract insights from imaging data.
• Experience with advanced image-analysis platforms, computational workflows, scripting, programming, or computational biology for algorithm development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high-content imaging assays across projects.
• Independently troubleshoot imaging and flow cytometry assays.
• Analyze imaging data and build analysis workflows to support screening.
• Translate imaging results into clear biological insights for the team.
• Maintain imaging infrastructure and enable advanced imaging applications.
• Support screening campaigns and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across DBP and Medicine Design.

Skills

High-content imaging

Flow cytometry

Image analysis

Programming / scripting

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in molecular biology/pharmacology/cell biology/biomedical engineering

Tools

Image analysis software

Imaging platforms

Flow cytometry platforms

Job description

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our high content imaging lab within the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group at the vibrant Groton campus in Connecticut. DBP is responsible for hit-identification, lead optimization, and molecular characterization of our small molecules and has teams focused on high-throughput screening, DNA-encoded libraries, pharmacology, protein homeostasis platforms, cellular models, functional genomics, and high-content imaging. The group is highly integrated with other groups in Medicine Design including Chemists, Structural Biologists, and Computational Scientists, and supports the small molecule portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas. The individual in this role will bring in rich experience in high content imaging and high throughput flow cytometry, and apply them to support our diverse small molecule portfolio spanning various therapeutic areas.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• High-content imaging assay design, development, and optimization: Apply a broad range of imaging and flow cytometry assay technologies to address project needs.
• Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot high-content imaging and flow cytometry assays.
• Imaging data analysis and interpretation: Design and implement advanced image-analysis workflows, build complex analysis algorithms, and streamline data processing to support medium- to high-throughput screening.
• Translate imaging data into clear, actionable biological insights.
• Imaging infrastructure management and continuous improvement: Partner with team experts to support high-content imaging and flow cytometry instrumentation, implement software solutions that enable advanced imaging applications and data analysis, and continuously improve imaging infrastructure and workflows.
• Screening and mechanistic studies: Execute screening campaigns and mechanism-of-action studies using high-content imaging and/or flow cytometry assays to support target validation, small-molecule identification and optimization, and clinical candidate selection.
• HTS and automation: Where applicable, partner with our high-throughput screening team to leverage automated systems to execute imaging and flow cytometry screens.
• Technology innovation: Stay current with advances in imaging technologies and partner with the broader team to identify, evaluate, and implement novel imaging technologies and instruments that address unmet portfolio needs.
• Leverage expertise in image algorithm development and imaging hardware and software to support the infrastructure, in close partnership with our Digital teams, and to support less experienced assay scientists in applying imaging and flow cytometry.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have Education: PhD in molecular biology, pharmacology, cell biology, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline (0 to 4 years of work relevant experience), with 2+ years of relevant experience applying fluorescence or confocal microscopy in biological research.
• Imaging assay expertise: Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-content imaging assays; familiarity with flow cytometry assay platforms is strongly valued.
• Image analysis and data interpretation: Strong familiarity with plate-based imaging systems and flow cytometry instrumentation.
• Experience using image-analysis software and quantitative data-analysis approaches to extract meaningful biological insights from imaging assay data.
• Experience with advanced image-analysis platforms, computational workflows, scripting, programming, or computational biology approaches that support algorithm development and data analysis.
• Scientific problem solving: Demonstrated ability to apply imaging-based approaches to address biological questions, troubleshoot technical challenges, and deliver fit-for-purpose assay solutions.
• Learning agility: Ability to quickly learn new technologies, adapt them to emerging project needs, and contribute to continuous improvement of imaging capabilities in the group.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and clearly present experimental results and scientific rationale.
• Nice to have Experience supporting small-molecule discovery programs or pharmacology studies across therapeutic areas such as Internal Medicine, Immunology & Inflammation, or Oncology.
• Experience designing and executing cell-based assays to investigate target biology, mechanism of action, or compound activity.
• Familiarity with implementing new technologies, instruments, or software tools to improve imaging workflows or expand laboratory capabilities.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer). Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret data.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA site to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences. Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices.

Other Job Details

• Relocation support available
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise
• The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program.
• 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

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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.