Sr. Associate Scientist, Upstream Process Development

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 developing manufacturing processes in support of clinical studies, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.
 

What You Will Achieve

A Senior Associate Scientist (R2) position is available in the Upstream Process Development group within the Bioprocess R&D organization. The successful applicant will join a team of scientists and engineers focused on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for recombinant proteins and other modalities for early- and late-phase human clinical trials. In this role, the candidate will be responsible for designing and executing laboratory experiments in bench-top bioreactors and associated scale-down equipment with the goal of developing robust, scalable, and high productivity processes. The work will also involve working with pilot, clinical, and commercial production facilities to ensure accurate technology transfer, successful large-scale production and associated regulatory filing activities. The candidate may also be involved in cutting edge technology development projects that seek to improve production processes and control strategies leveraging various process analytical technologies.

How You Will Achieve It

• Design and execute experiments in appropriate scale-down models such as shake flasks and bioreactors in an effort to develop robust, high yield, and scalable manufacturing processes

• Serve as upstream tech lead; ensure accurate tech transfer to pilot and GMP manufacturing facilities; provide technical support during manufacturing campaign

• Timely and accurately document data in electronic lab notebooks; author technical reports and contribute to relevant sections of regulatory submissions such as IND and BLA

• Participate and contribute to discussions in lab and project team meetings on design of experiments and interpretation of data

• Contribute to safe, efficient, and harmonious lab environment; strong lab citizen and collaborative team player

• Occasionally work over the weekend to passage flasks, sample bioreactors or perform other essential tasks

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years’ industrial experience or Master’s degree with 0-3 years industrial experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology or a relevant field.

• Significant experience with sophisticated lab instruments such as bioreactor systems and analytical equipment.

• Strong mammalian cell culture expertise required.

• Self-motivated, organized, and excellent attention to details.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-To-Have

• Experience with high-throughput instrument such as ambr15, ambr250, and Tecan liquid handler

• Experience with developing and implementing process analytical technologies such as Raman spectroscopy and biocapacitance.

• Proficiency with multi-variate data analysis techniques

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 and may need to travel occasionally to attend internal meetings or external conferences.

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