Associate Research Fellow, Early Formulation Science & Drug Delivery

Pfizer • San Diego, CA

7d • $162,900 - $271,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Research Fellow is a scientific and leadership role in Pfizer’s Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery (EFS-DD) group, within the Drug Product Design and Supply department of the Pharmaceutical Sciences division. The role interfaces with multidisciplinary research project teams and cross-functional management to advance portfolio deliverables and scientific initiatives, and provides guidance and mentorship to other scientists.

EFS-DD is responsible for early-stage compound selection, pre-formulation development, solid-form characterization, biopharmaceutics understanding, and early clinical drug-delivery strategy for new small molecules. The Associate Research Fellow applies understanding of molecular structure, solid form, dissolution kinetics, thermodynamics, and diffusion and permeation behavior to formulation design and development. The position uses advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict oral absorption and systemic exposure in preclinical and clinical studies, leads matrix teams and scientific strategy, and conducts novel research with findings shared through presentations or publications.

The position is on premise. Occasional travel or non-standard hours may be required. Relocation support may be available. The annual base salary range is $162,900 to $271,500, with eligibility for a performance-plan bonus targeted at 20% of base salary and a share-based long-term incentive program. Pfizer offers benefits including a 401(k) plan with matching and an additional retirement savings contribution, paid vacation, holidays and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; work visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Chemistry, Physical Organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, or a related discipline, with 15 or more years of relevant industry experience after degree/postdoctoral training; or a BS/MS in one of these disciplines or a related discipline, with at least 20 years of relevant pharmaceutics industry experience in small-molecule drug product design.
• Background in small-molecule formulation, materials science, and/or early biopharmaceutics, with a strong record of scientific achievement.
• Experience using and interpreting biophysical modeling, physicochemical solubility and dissolution, and biological transport phenomena, including passive, transporter-mediated, and efflux transport.
• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro experiments and interpreting preclinical exposure data to design and select new small-molecule drug candidates and drug-delivery systems.
• Motivation to learn and implement new technologies and concepts.
• Strong interest in leadership and extensive experience working in cross-disciplinary teams and achieving results in a matrix environment.
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proven track record of supervising, mentoring, and coaching scientists.
• Understanding of drug discovery and development concepts.
• Experience actively developing and advancing scientific initiatives and external collaborations.
• Collaborative and effective partnering skills in a complex, multidisciplinary organization.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including influencing and collaborating with peers, developing and coaching others, and guiding colleagues’ work to achieve meaningful outcomes and business impact.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States by any employer; permanent U.S. work authorization is required. U.S. work visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of molecular structure, solid form, dissolution kinetics, thermodynamics, and diffusion and permeation behavior to formulation design and development.
• Use advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict oral absorption and systemic exposure in preclinical and clinical studies.
• Lead matrix teams of scientists across multiple levels to deliver portfolio and initiative breakthroughs.
• Lead scientific strategy and direction for advances in oral small-molecule drug delivery, engaging organizational thought leaders and cross-functional management.
• Conduct novel scientific research and present significant findings through internal and external presentations or publications.
• Guide, mentor, coach, and supervise scientists.
• Develop and advance scientific initiatives and external collaborations.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer matching contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
• Eligibility for Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a 20% target bonus
• Eligibility to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior