Use Your Power for Purpose
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, which strives to convert advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. Whether you are engaged in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, your role is crucial. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to expedite the delivery of top tier medicines to patients globally. By integrating advanced scientific knowledge with practical applications, we aim to bring the most effective treatments to those in need, fulfilling our commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide.
Role description
The Research Platform Technology Team within the Department of Seasonal Strain Change Vaccines is seeking a motivated Associate Scientist to join a collaborative, team-oriented group advancing the preclinical development of multiple vaccine programs and platform technologies. In this role, you will support vaccine production and characterization, assay development, platform optimization, and the evaluation of novel technologies. Your contributions will help generate the preclinical data needed to inform key go/no-go decisions across multiple viral and bacterial vaccine programs. The successful candidate will be a reliable team player who enjoys working across teams and adapts well in a dynamic environment. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career scientist to broaden their technical skill set while contributing to meaningful vaccine research in a collaborative and supportive environment.
What You Will Achieve
- Perform standard molecular biology techniques such as cloning, RT-qPCR, nucleic acid purification, bacterial transformation, in vitro transcription, and related methods.
- Support the production and characterization of mRNA drug substance and mRNA-LNP drug product using established protocols and analytical assays.
- Maintain multiple mammalian cell lines.
- Perform cell-based assays to assess vaccine candidate potency.
- Support the development, troubleshooting, and optimization of novel assays for the in-depth evaluation of vaccine candidates and platform strategies.
- Analyze, interpret, and summarize results, and present experimental progress and findings in team and departmental meetings as needed.
- Document all work thoroughly and maintain clear, accurate, and complete records in laboratory notebooks in compliance with Pfizer Laboratory Notebook requirements.
- Maintain reagent and sample inventories and support maintenance of laboratory supplies.
- Remain current on all safety and quality training in accordance with departmental requirements.
- Organize work to meet deadlines and learn new technical skills as needed.
- Collaborate effectively and contribute as an engaged team member.
- Participate in company and team events, such as town hall meetings, milestone celebrations, and team-building activities, to build connections and celebrate shared successes.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Must Have
- Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, cell biology, virology, or a related scientific field with 1–3 years of laboratory research experience,
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, RT-qPCR, E. coli transformation, DNA/RNA extraction and purification) and _mammalian cell culture_.
- Working knowledge of molecular biology and sequence analysis software such as Geneious, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism.
- Attention to detail, solid problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Nice to Have
- Industry experience is preferred.
- Master's degree in a related scientific field with 0–1 year of laboratory research experience.
- Hands-on experience with cloning, DNA sequencing, immunofluorescence assays, and flow cytometry.
- Previous experience working with mRNA is highly desirable.
- Experience using AI tools such as Copilot, Gemini, or similar platforms to improve productivity and efficiency.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Routine laboratory work, including aseptic technique and adherence to biosafety procedures.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive pipetting, and lift/move standard laboratory consumables in accordance with site guidelines.
- Ability to work effectively in a high-visibility research program with time-sensitive milestones.
