Senior Scientist - Structural Biology and Protein Sciences

Pfizer; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 93,600 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Pfizer matching

Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution

Health benefits

Paid vacation/leave

Job summary

Pfizer's SBPS group in La Jolla, CA invites a highly motivated scientist to join as an experimental protein scientist, focusing on producing high-quality proteins for structure-based drug discovery.

You will design constructs, express and purify proteins, characterize biophysically, crystallize challenging targets and support small-molecule oncology programs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with extensive hands-on protein biochemistry experience.
• Proven track record producing high-quality proteins from challenging targets.
• Experience in construct design, multi-system expression, and multi-step purification.

Responsibilities

• Protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of targets.
• Crystallization and co-crystallization with small molecules.
• Support multiple oncology programs and collaborate across disciplines.
• Contribute data and troubleshooting to enable rapid decisions.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Biophysical characterization

Crystallography

Co-crystallization

Construct design

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Cryo-EM knowledge

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Sciences or a related discipline

Tools

Chromatography systems

Crystallization platforms

Automated crystal imaging

Cryo-EM workflows

Job description

Overview

Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, La Jolla, CA is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Structural Biology and Protein Sciences (SBPS) Group within the Department of Oncology Medicinal Chemistry. The SBPS mission is to enable oncology drug discovery through expert protein production, biophysical interrogation, and structure‑based insight, delivering high quality protein tools and data required to accelerate medicinal chemistry and translational decisions. The position will primarily support the small molecule portfolio, with opportunities to enable emerging targets and novel therapeutic modalities.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory‑based work as an experimental scientist with deep expertise in protein expression, purification, biophysical characterization, and crystallization of challenging targets.
• Work under supervision as a technical expert in the gene‑to‑structure pipeline, from construct design and expression through advanced purification, biophysical characterization, high‑throughput crystallization and orthologous structure enablement including sample and grid preparation to enable cryo‑EM.
• Support multiple small‑molecule oncology drug discovery programs in parallel.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Structural Biology and Protein Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Biophysics, Enzymology and Computational Chemistry, serving as protein sciences and structural biology resource on multidisciplinary teams and providing clear data, troubleshooting, and high‑quality experimental insight to enable rapid decision making.
• Identify and integrate emerging protein and structural biology technologies to strengthen current capabilities within the group.

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Sciences or a related discipline, with 9+ years of relevant experience for a Bachelor’s degree, 7+ years for a Master’s degree, or 0+ years’ experience required for a Ph.D.
• Extensive hands‑on laboratory experience in advanced protein biochemistry, with a proven track record of producing high‑quality protein samples from exceptionally challenging targets for structural and biophysical studies.
• Expertise in protein construct design, expression across multiple systems, and complex, multi‑step purification workflows, including development of fit‑for‑purpose proteins to support crystallography, structure‑based drug discovery, biochemical assays and hit identification screens.
• Strong background in biophysical characterization (e.g., stability, oligomeric state, SPR, ITC, BLI) to assess protein quality and guide construct, purification, and ligand strategies.
• Hands‑on experience in protein crystallization and small‑molecule co‑crystallization, including condition screening, optimization, and crystal improvement.
• A track record reflecting experimental rigor, creativity, and productivity in protein sciences and structural biology.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative, and multi‑project research environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with commitment to collaborative science, knowledge sharing, and inclusive teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with various protein classes and multi‑protein complexes, including strategies to stabilize and optimize samples for downstream structural, biochemical and biophysical analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with protein purification and crystallization instrumentation, including chromatography systems, crystallization platforms, and automated crystal imaging and screening technologies.
• Experience with cryo‑electron microscopy workflows including sample optimization and grid preparation.
• Experience applying ML/AI‑enabled approaches to protein engineering, construct design, or structure determination.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment with lab coat, protective eye wear and gloves.
• Requires standing and walking for most of the day, regular workday with occasional lifting of moderately heavy lab utilities.
• May need to use step stools to climb and reach items above eye level.
• May need to diagnose and repair equipment with various tools occasionally.

Location

On Premise – La Jolla, CA.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual base salary ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. The 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. Comprehensive benefits 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.

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.