Associate Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

Pfizer • San Diego, CA

4d • $60,200 - $100,400 • Onsite

About The Position

Pfizer is seeking a motivated Associate Scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology group within the Oncology Research Unit. This role supports the execution of in vivo oncology studies including small molecules and ADCs within discovery and preclinical development, including efficacy, tolerability, pharmacodynamic, and sample collection workflows. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, careful attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare, compliance, and high-quality study execution. The Associate Scientist is expected to contribute as a dependable technical team member while building scientific understanding of oncology pharmacology.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmacology, animal science, cancer biology, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with rodent handling and in vivo procedures in a research, academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or contract research setting.
• Working proficiency with routine in vivo oncology techniques such as tumor measurement, animal monitoring, dosing support, sample collection, and study documentation.
• Ability to follow study protocols, dosing schedules, sample collection plans, and SOPs with precision and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of oncology pharmacology concepts, including tumor growth, treatment response, tolerability monitoring, and pharmacodynamic endpoint collection.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to support multiple concurrent study activities under guidance from supervisors or study leads.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Applies technical skills to routine and moderately complex procedures while developing independence and troubleshooting capability.
• Demonstrates accountability for assigned tasks and contributes to team goals, study timelines, and quality expectations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting oncology programs including targeted therapy, immuno-oncology, or combination studies.
• Experience with necropsy, tissue collection, blood collection, biomarker sample processing, or ex vivo endpoint workflows.
• Familiarity with electronic in vivo study management systems such as Studylog or similar platforms.
• AALAS certification or equivalent animal care and use training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine in vivo oncology study activities, including tumor measurements, body weight monitoring, clinical observations, dosing support, and sample collection.
• Assist with execution of xenograft, syngeneic, and other oncology models under established protocols and guidance from study leads.
• Support pharmacology studies evaluating efficacy, tolerability, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, dosing schedules, and combination approaches.
• Prepare study materials, confirm dosing and sampling schedules, and ensure study activities are performed according to approved protocols and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant study records using approved electronic data capture and documentation systems.
• Communicate study observations, technical issues, animal welfare concerns, and timeline risks promptly to managers and study line leads.
• Collaborate with vivarium operations, project teams, pathology, bioanalytical, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic colleagues to support efficient study execution.
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with IACUC protocols, animal welfare expectations, biosafety requirements, and Pfizer internal policies.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
• Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

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