Associate Scientist, Automation & Clinical Testing

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.

Position Summary

The Associate Scientist is responsible for providing robotic programming and method development in support of vaccine development & clinical studies. This work will be performed within the Robotics and Automation area of the Clinical Immunology and Diagnostics (CID) group in Pfizer Vaccines. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, (i) basic to intermediate liquid handler programming, testing, optimization, and troubleshooting of moderately complex liquid handler methods and (ii) authoring qualification and validation documents, change control requests, and standard operating procedures (SOP), as assigned, (iii) participating in activities associated with the method validation/verification process or equipment qualification process.  In addition, the Associate Scientist will work in a team setting and will share roles and responsibilities with other colleagues as assigned by the supervisor. All work is to be performed in a compliant manner, according to applicable SOPs and GxP (Good Practice) guidelines, as required. 

Position Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the supervisor or experienced team members, the incumbent will program robotic methods and test processes using basic to intermediate level programming skills.
• Participate in the qualification of new or existing instruments and robotic method validation/verification following established protocols or scripts.
• Participate in the change control process by testing ad-hoc test scripts and executing requests as needed.  
• Complete required documentation for all laboratory work. This includes the use of laboratory information management systems and/or paper forms.
• Provide progress updates during group and project meetings, which may include preparing slide presentations and presenting orally with the team or wider organization.
• May train other analysts on established, basic technologies that he/she has become proficient.  
• Satisfactorily complete all required laboratory, GxP and safety training, in conformance with departmental requirements.  
• Where applicable, perform job responsibilities in compliance with GxP and all other regulatory agency requirements. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Min Education: Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of laboratory experience in a relevant field of science, acquired in academic/industrial setting.
• Minimum of 1 year of programming experience using Hamilton and/or TECAN liquid handlers (basic to intermediate knowledge).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to collaborate and work in a team environment
• Good Computer skills including word processing, Excel, PowerPoint and relevant scientific software

Nice to have

• > 2 years’ experience with multiple liquid handler platforms (Hamilton STAR & VANTAGE/TECAN Fluent/Agilent Bravo) would be an asset. 
• Experience with programming languages, such as VBA, Python, R and/or JavaScript is an asset.
•  Strong writing, communication and basic computer programming skills.
•  Experience with microbiological techniques would be an asset.

  
 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed at the laboratory bench or at an office desk using a computer. The job involves lifting loads, generally not more than 20 pounds.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position may require occasional weekend and evening work to meet critical business timelines.

 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $58,500.00 to $97,500.00. 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