Director of Discovery Biology Platforms

Pfizer • Groton, CT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Use Your Power for Purpose Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of this mission is Research and Development, where we strive to transform advanced science and technologies into the most impactful therapies and vaccines. We are seeking a visionary scientific leader to lead and evolve our functional genomics and high-content imaging initiatives within our Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group. Additionally, this leader will develop and implement a roadmap for embedding AI/ML across DBP functions to maximize value from our data, enhance efficiencies, and accelerate our efforts in small molecule discovery. DBP is responsible for hit-identification, lead optimization, and molecular characterization of our molecules and has teams focused on high-throughput screening, DNA-encoded libraries, pharmacology, protein homeostasis platforms, cellular models, functional genomics, and high-content imaging. The group is highly integrated with other groups in Medicine Design including Chemists, Structural Biologists, and Computational Scientists, and supports the small molecule portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas. The individual in this role will lead a team of eight scientists and will partner closely with other teams across DBP to advance and scale platforms such as high-content imaging, base editing, and NGS methods. He/She/They will work with DBP leaders to ensure these capabilities are optimally leveraged to drive impact across a broad disease area portfolio. Additionally, this individual will leverage AI to drive operational efficiencies, to redefine how we assess targets and their druggability and to decode the molecular mechanisms of action (MoA) of our small molecule leads.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cell Biology or equivalent with at least 5 years of relevant experience in Biotech or Pharmaceutical industry with a focus on platform technology, automation and drug discovery OR Masters degree and 7+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with high-content imaging infrastructure and solid knowledge of HCS hardware and data analysis systems.
• Experienced in methods using CRISPR including screening with CRISPR libraries, and familiarity with sequencing methods.
• Ability to lead the conceptualization and development of assays and molecular methods to drive drug discovery programs and to deconvolute molecular MoA.
• Fluency in AI/ML applications for drug discovery
• A track record of building assay platforms and industrializing as appropriate to drive portfolio impact
• Strong focus on innovation and strategy matched with an ability to energize team members around a vision and drive efficient execution.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to drive interdisciplinary influence.
• People management experience required

Nice To Haves

• Broad therapeutic area exposure (Internal Medicine, Immunology & Inflammation, Oncology)
• Computational biology knowledge including NGS analysis and AI experience including agentic systems, LLMs, and foundational cell models.
• Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the high-content imaging lab from assay development, screen execution, and data analysis while ensuring we maintain a state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Work closely with the high-throughput screening group to deploy HCS at scale for hit-identification and lead optimization.
• Build out NGS platforms for high-throughput transcriptomics and base editing, while leveraging existing CRISPR methods to interrogate target biology and deconvolute small molecule MoAs.
• Partner closely with pharmacology, protein homeostasis, and project teams to identify the portfolio efforts with highest impact uses for HCS and FGx capabilities.
• Through partnerships with Digital and our Machine Learning and Computational Sciences (MLCS) group, lead the development and execution of a multi-year vision for an AI-integrated discovery engine that will increase the efficiency of every DBP scientist, and accelerate our discovery efforts.
• Actively participate in global evaluations of AI Frameworks with a focus on DBP needs.
• Create an “AI-Biology-Assistant” community of practice within DBP and lead this team to leverage internal capabilities while evaluating external opportunities.
• Develop a clear roadmap for HCS, FGx, and AI platforms in DBP, work with leadership to advocate for resourcing needs, and align team and partners to implement the vision.
• Seamlessly partner across groups to co-deliver portfolio impact from early discovery through to candidate selection.
• Energize the team, helping members achieve their professional goals and drive impact through regular coaching and by creating individualized career development plans.

Benefits

• participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program
• 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
• relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree