Associate Research Fellow, Early Formulation Science & Drug Delivery

Pfizer • San Diego, CA

6d • 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 Drug Product Design and Supply and the Pharmaceutical Sciences division. The role interfaces with multidisciplinary research teams and cross-functional management to advance portfolio deliverables and scientific initiatives through scientific expertise and strategic thinking, and provides guidance and mentorship to 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 position focuses on applying formulation and biopharmaceutics knowledge, modeling and simulation, and scientific leadership to advance oral small-molecule drug delivery.

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 or postdoctoral work; alternatively, a BS or 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 phenomena such as 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 support selection and design of 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 communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proven experience 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 toward meaningful outcomes and business impact.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer; U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available.
• Position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Apply understanding of molecular structure, solid form, dissolution kinetics, thermodynamics, diffusion, and permeation to the design and development of formulations.
• Use existing advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict oral absorption and systemic exposure (pharmacokinetics) in preclinical and clinical studies.
• Lead matrix teams of scientists across multiple levels to deliver portfolio outcomes and scientific initiative breakthroughs.
• Lead scientific strategy and direction for advances in oral small-molecule drug delivery, working with organizational thought leaders and cross-functional management.
• Conduct novel scientific research and present significant findings through internal and external presentations or publications.
• Guide, supervise, mentor, and coach scientists and colleagues.
• 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
• Participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a 20% bonus target
• 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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree