Senior Associate Scientist (non-PhD), Cancer Epigenetics

WHY PATIENTS NEED YOU

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

POSITION SUMMARY

Pfizer's Oncology Research Unit (ORU) in La Jolla, California is seeking a Scientist focused on translating basic discoveries in the field of cancer epigenetics into novel therapeutics. To guide oncology discovery campaigns at Pfizer, the Scientist will utilize cutting-edge chemical and biological tools to support our pre-clinical drug discovery programs.

We are seeking an experienced cell and molecular biologist to contribute to the success of the Oncogenic Transcriptional Networks Group within the Cancer Cell Biology (CCB) Department.  The candidate should have expertise in cell line engineering technologies, molecular and protein biology methods, and small molecule screening approaches preferentially in a drug discovery context. This is an exciting opportunity to apply cutting-edge methods and contribute to the target portfolios of the Oncology Research Unit of one of the world’s leading developers of novel therapeutics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Execute various cellular and molecular techniques to validate genetic or small molecule perturbations of targets and downstream pathways such as: western blot, qPCR, ELISA, MSD, immunoprecipitation, gene expression, luminescence-based assays, imaging platforms and flow cytometry

• Carry out experiments to test the functional consequences of genetic (CRISPR-based gene editing technologies and RNA interference) and chemical perturbations in cell-based model systems

• Develop cellular tools for advancing drug discovery projects including generation and maintenance of engineered cell lines in a wide array of established cancer types

• Serve as a technical resource within the group for engineering and generating stable cell lines, genome-wide gene editing experiments, phenotypic and biomarker assay development, or other technologies 

• Design and conduct well controlled high-quality scientific experiments to test biological hypotheses

• Assist with the evaluation of new approaches and technologies within the group

• Maintain electronic lab notebook in compliance with company policies

• Stay current with relevant technologies including those relating to molecular biology, cell biology, functional genomics and biochemistry

• Work closely as a collaborative team member within Cancer Cell Biology and Oncology project teams

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•  Bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology or related field with at least 4+ years laboratory experience in an industrial or academic setting or master’s degree with at least 2+ years laboratory experience, experience in oncology research is a plus

PREFERRED QUALIIFICATIONS

• Expertise with an array of molecular biology methods including cloning, vector construction, PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, and library construction

• Expertise with a variety of cell biology techniques including cell culture, engineering and generation of stable cell lines, lentiviral production, gene expression analysis, protein expression analysis, and cell-based assays, phenotypic assays, biomarker assays, luminescence-based assays, reporter assays, imaging assays, and flow cytometric assays

• Experience in CRISPR-based approaches or RNA interference technologies

• Expertise in transcription factors, epigenetics or E3 ubiquitin ligase fields is a plus

• Track record of successful contribution to research projects, preferably utilizing gene editing or screening methodologies

• Ability to effectively interact and collaborate with other scientists, both within the group and in other groups; excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $69,700.00 to $116,100.00. 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, p